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ABOUT
HEAL
Meet the team of students working to transform the societal view on environmental health and its impact on our communities, locally and globally!

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OUR MISSION

We hope to engage and educate young students on how the environment affects human life. In addition we aspire to undertake projects that promote healthier environments locally and globally.

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OUR VISION

Our vision is to innovate environmental health education and improve public health by protecting and preserving our environment. Inform, Preserve, Prosper!

MEET TEAM
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Arman Lateef is a sophomore at Harvard University and is from Manassas, VA. Arman’s keen awareness of the environment’s impact on human health inspired him to create this organization. An asthma sufferer himself, he realized that the ability to breathe clean air or drink clean water was a privilege that he did not share with many across the globe. So he forged a collaboration with like-minded young scientists and environmental activists to implement meaningful change. He hopes to educate students on the specific human health impacts of pollutants while also pioneering community and global projects that improve environmental health.
 
Arman is also an active student researcher and his work in environmental health has included designing Microbial Fuel Cells as well as examining the mutagenic impacts of prenatal exposure to particulate matter pollution. His most recent project studies the efficacy of different mask types in filtering air pollutants. For fun, Arman loves to play basketball, hangout with friends, and watch movies. He is also an active member of the Harvard Crimson Business Board and volunteers at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter.

Our Founder and President

Arman Lateef

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Tito Alofe is a sophomore at Harvard University from Peachtree City, Georgia, pursuing a degree in neuroscience. With a strong interest in public health, Tito is passionate about understanding the intersection of brain science and societal well-being. In addition to his academic pursuits, he is an active member of the Harvard track team, where he competes and contributes to the team's success. Tito combines his dedication to both science and athletics, striving to make a positive impact in both fields.

Our Vice President, Technology
Tito Alofe

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Our Vice President, Public Health and Communications

Sophia Qamari

Sophia is a second-year student at the University of Virginia pursuing a major in Global Public Health with a pre-med focus. Passionate about the intersection between health and community, Sophia is involved in public health research within the UVA School of Medicine. Her current work involves researching and supporting patients with brain metastases, aiming to contribute to advancements in medical care and patient quality of life. Beyond academics, Sophia is deeply involved in community outreach, particularly in supporting Afghan refugee women within Charlottesville. In her volunteer work, she hopes to reflect the power of community engagement and cultural understanding to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have been displaced.

 

Sophia is concerned about global environmental issues, specifically the severe effects of air and water pollution in her parents’ home country Afghanistan. She is worried about the health effects of environmental pollution in underprivileged areas of the world and plans to help them through this organization. This drives her interest in environmental health and fuels a broader ambition to address the intersection of environmental and public health on a global scale. In her free time, you can find Sophia playing tennis with her friends or spending quality time with family.

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Our Vice President, Education and Outreach
Rhea Zahir

Rhea is a third year student at the University of Virginia where she is pursuing a degree in Anthropology with a minor in American Sign Language on the pre-med track. She is a budding research scientist with an interest in disease processes and the impact of a changing environment on global health. Water contamination with microplastics are causing an increasing prevalence of diseases worldwide. Rhea feels that her generation needs to be on the forefront to curtail and prevent this. 

 

Rhea is an active member of the Third Year Class Council where she uses her voice to educate and spread awareness to limit plastic use. She is on the executive board for the event planning committees at UVA (Lighting of the Lawn and Dinner Series) which attracts several thousand students and helps to limit the impact on the environment. She sits on the Judicial Review Board for Student Government and was selected for the Algenon Award Committee. On weekends you can find Rhea on the volleyball courts with her team or in the kitchen baking well deserved brownies. 

About

HEAL is a community organization led by a coalition of individuals devoted to changing the global perspective and attitude towards the environment and its ecosystems. Building environmental communities both near and far through projects, education, and stewardship is something HEAL is passionate about! 

Important Links

Become a Supporter

Changing the simple idea of an education about the earth and its environment is not an easy task; in order to achieve and see our vision come to life, we need your help! If you are environmental activist or organization that wants to join/partner with us, let us know!

© 2023 by HEAL. All Rights Reserved.

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