PhD Spotlight: Stephane Labossiere

A passion for public health

My PhD trajectory emerged from personal experiences and a determination to make a difference. In my work at the Policy School, I have delved into the social determinants of health, investigating how the complex interplay of these factors leads to environmental and health disparities both in the United States and internationally.

These interests evolved out of multiple roles I have played in public health and community outreach. Prior to beginning my doctoral studies, I gained wide experience at organizations including the United Nations, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the American Federation for Aging Research, the Clinton Foundation, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Office of Housing Authority. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I conducted numerous webinars and provided critical city agency resources to constituents in New York City. I have also conducted global public health work in Haiti, India, and Colombia, bringing an international perspective to my research and advocacy efforts.

“As a proud Haitian-American immigrant, I am powerfully motivated by the current political climate and its devastating impact on immigrant communities.”

Dignity and justice for all

My PhD research focuses on migration-based inequities and how they shape population health, with particular emphasis on sustainable programs serving immigrant communities, especially Haitian immigrants and refugees in Massachusetts. I am committed to advancing health equity through multi-level modeling, community engagement, and a critical reassessment of healthcare systems to ensure they are equitable, accountable, and truly responsive to the needs of diverse communities.

I draw inspiration from leaders like the late Dr. Paul Farmer, who devoted his life to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, whose courageous stand against the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts resonates deeply with me. I aim to honor Dr. Farmer’s legacy within Massachusetts through public service and research that reflects both my personal commitment and my Haitian heritage.

Healthcare as a right, not a privilege

As a proud Haitian-American immigrant, I am powerfully motivated by the current political climate and its devastating impact on immigrant communities. I have witnessed firsthand the consequences of racist and dehumanizing narratives embraced by some political leaders to vilify marginalized groups who are simply seeking a brighter future for themselves and their families.

My personal and professional experiences have equipped me with a unique lens through which to engage the complexities surrounding immigration, social services, and the integration of marginalized communities. I am resolutely committed to standing against anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric and mobilizing efforts for social justice.

I aspire to take a leading role in research, education, and advocacy, championing the rights of the Haitian community while addressing broader challenges of structural racism, xenophobia, and health disparities. My vision extends to building a society where health is recognized as a fundamental right rather than a privilege, and where the health and stories of all individuals, especially immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, are valued as critical components of our national identity.