Abigail Hong

Fulbright/Ulster University Award

Abby graduated summa cum laude from Temple University with a B.S. in Public Health in 2023. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a passion for connecting people to community resources and using the power of relationship-building to improve wellness. She spent her time as a peer educator for the university’s Wellness Resource Center, a peer mentor for incoming students, and an intern at the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services.

She also served as a leader for Temple’s Service Immersion Program, where she collaborated with local organizations to teach fellow students about activism in Philadelphia and help them become active participants in their communities. Since graduating, she has worked to reduce health inequities and medical mistrust in minority communities by connecting patients in primary care clinics to community health workers.

While at Ulster University, she will examine the impact conflict has on a country’s healthcare system and investigate the role of community-based programming in the reconciliation process and prevention of conflict. In her future work, she plans to promote peace and reduce harm through public health programs and policies. She’s excited to spend her free time volunteering at local art organizations, finding new cafes to read in, and going on runs throughout the city.