About

The purpose of the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) program is to increase the number of historically underrepresented students who receive doctoral training in public health, with the ultimate goal of developing a diverse research and scientific workforce in the biomedical and behavioral sciences.

The IMSD program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in research. IMSD graduates are expected to enter academic and research-oriented careers specializing in behavioral or biomedical science approaches to public health.

The IMSD program offers activities designed to strengthen skills and facilitate the transition into careers in research, including:

A seminar course that provides workshops on scientific writing, techniques and coping strategies for success in graduate school, and research career and professional development
Informal mentorship by faculty members in the school of public health

Program Directors

Gina M. Wingood, ScD, MPH
Department of Sociomedical Sciences
gw2326@columbia.edu
212-305-9293

Silvia Martins, MD, PhD
Department of Epidemiology
ssm2183@columbia.edu
212-305-2848

Ana Navas-Acien, MD, MPH, PhD
Department of Environmental Health Sciences
an2737@columbia.edu
212-342-4712

Jeff Goldsmith, PhD
Department of Biostatistics
ajg2202@columbia.edu
212-305-9398