Two Perspectives, One Lesson: Global Health Research in Pune, India

This summer, two Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) medical students, Mercedes Corredor and Pooja Lalwani, traveled to Pune, India, to engage in global health research. Mentored by WCM faculty members Dr. Jyoti Mathad and Dr. Puja Chebrolu, the students investigated critical aspects of maternal and environmental health. Mercedes focused on qualitative barriers to a nutrition intervention for postpartum women with gestational diabetes, while Pooja examined the environmental links between heavy metal contamination in local water sources and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prevalence. Though their projects differed, their experiences converged on a shared truth: meaningful global health work is built on immersion, humility, and relationships, not just data. 

Working alongside Deep Griha, our non-profit partner organization in India, the students began by supporting administrative tasks and organizing study materials—work that revealed the essential operational backbone sustaining community health initiatives. Over time, they gained a richer understanding of how Deep Griha integrates healthcare, education, and outreach, deepening their appreciation for community-led partnerships. For Mercedes, a standout moment was visiting a nearby school to teach a class and play football with students, illustrating how trust and genuine engagement drive lasting impact far beyond the scope of traditional research. 

Meanwhile, Pooja collaborated with researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, evaluating data collection quality, assisting with analysis, and examining sewage contamination sources in the city's water supply. This rigorous fieldwork laid the groundwork for correlating heavy metal concentrations with GDM prevalence, effectively bridging environmental science and maternal health. 

Together, the students witnessed firsthand how successful international collaboration demands flexibility, thoughtful planning, and strong local ties. They learned that stepping directly into a community reveals nuances, needs, and challenges that numbers on a page simply cannot capture. 

Ultimately, their summer reinforced a shared commitment to global health research as a career path—one deeply rooted in curiosity, cultural humility, and a long-term investment in the communities they serve.