Maisha Mohosheen

As the daughter of Bengali immigrants, born and raised in the LES, and a first-generation student, Maisha studied biology and English, graduating with high honors from Hunter College. As an aspiring physician-scientist, her equity-driven research focuses on improving health literacy and integrating social determinants of health to address systemic healthcare inequities from the individual to the institutional level. Her clinical and bench research has spanned breast cancer, maternal health disparities, and women’s health advocacy. As an NYC native who has worked in medical institutions and hospitals across all five boroughs, she brings a citywide perspective on healthcare access and disparities among ethnically, socioeconomically, and linguistically diverse communities.

Throughout her time at CUNY, Maisha became an APIA, NERA, and SOCA Scholar, strengthening her commitment to research, service, mentorship, and health equity. As a trained clinical research coordinator, she focused on increasing the participation of historically underrepresented populations in cancer clinical trials and promoting more inclusive, community-informed approaches to cancer care. She also took on a national leadership role supporting a community of Asian American scholars across the country. Her commitment to science education and mentorship continues through her work with underprivileged youth and communities with limited access to scientific opportunities and her current role as an adjunct lecturer in biology at Hunter.

While deeply rooted in science, Maisha is equally drawn to the humanities. Her love for writing and reading, along with witnessing how patients’ stories can become part of healing, led her to pursue an M.S. in Narrative Medicine. Through the program, she hopes to gain structured training in reflective writing, clinical ethics, and patient-centered communication and bring narrative methods into clinical research to center marginalized and underserved voices. At SPS, she hopes to contribute as a dependable, collaborative, and generous member of the community who shares what she learns, uplifts the stories of others, and serves as a connector across disciplines and communities.