New initiative will focus on chronic respiratory diseases in urban environments

Pace University recently announced the launch of the Center for Global Health, an initiative focused on chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and other communicable and non-communicable diseases in urban environments through research, advocacy, and education.

CRDs affect more than half a billion people worldwide, contributing to over 3.5 million deaths annually—yet they remain under-recognized in global health discussions. The Center for Global Health will address CRDs by supporting interdisciplinary research, increasing media engagement, and advancing policy advocacy.

Led by José Luis Castro ’88, World Health Organization (WHO) director-general special envoy for chronic respiratory diseases, the center will bring together experts across disciplines to drive meaningful change.

"Chronic respiratory diseases disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, yet they remain largely overlooked in health policy," Castro said. "Through research and advocacy, the Center for Global Health will elevate this issue on the global stage while working with communities to develop sustainable solutions."

The center will also be supported by Sonia Suchday, Ph.D., director of research and graduate education, who will oversee operations and ensure its integration into Pace’s academic and research initiatives.

“This initiative will allow us to address the intersection of health, environment, and social determinants in a meaningful way,” Suchday said. “By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can generate research that leads to actionable solutions for respiratory health challenges in urban settings. The center will also focus on other communicable and non-communicable diseases that are on the rise all over the world.”

With a strong foundation in psychology, biology, environmental sciences, law, health professions, and public health policy, Pace University is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in addressing this global health challenge. Faculty and students will work together to tackle critical issues affecting communities in New York City and beyond, focusing on conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic conditions.

“The Center for Global Health will provide new opportunities for our students and faculty to contribute to vital research and policy initiatives,” said Jonathan H. Hill, DPS, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs of Pace University. “By addressing chronic respiratory diseases and other chronic diseases at both the local and global levels, we are reinforcing Pace’s commitment to innovation and public impact.”

The Center for Global Health aims to transform how CRDs are understood, reported, and addressed, ensuring these conditions receive the attention they deserve. In fact, a key priority is shifting the narrative through increased media coverage and public awareness.

In addition to raising awareness, the center will play a critical role in policy advocacy, offering expert guidance to legislative and parliamentary health committees to help integrate CRDs into national and global health strategies. In collaboration with WHO and other partners, it will provide research-backed solutions to reduce the impact of respiratory diseases on vulnerable populations.

Pace’s deep ties to the New York City community will enable meaningful engagement with local organizations, health care providers, and at-risk populations. The center will also provide hands-on opportunities for students, including research assistantships, internships, and participation in high-level policy discussions, preparing the next generation of public health leaders to tackle some of the most pressing global health challenges of our time.

As Pace University continues to expand its impact, the Center for Global Health represents a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to research, education, and community engagement.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

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Aissatou Gningue’23 is an associate in the Financial Operations division at KPMG. She works with major financial institutions managing their anti-money laundering (AML) investigations, as she is part of an ecosystem driven by collaboration, growth, innovation, and results that matter.

Aissatou is excited to contribute her time and many talents to KPMG. She is no stranger to hard work; her drive and ambition are unparalleled.

At the age of ten, Aissatou moved from Senegal, West Africa to the United States. She excelled in her studies throughout junior high and high school. When she was accepted into Pace University, she was determined to set her sights high and achieve all of her academic and professional goals. Nothing would deter her. When seeking opportunities she didn’t take the word “no” for an answer. She says her “stubbornness” paid off in immeasurable ways. At Pace, Aissatou pursued two bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree—she graduated from Pace at the age of 22. While at Pace she was often asked, “Are you sure you can do it?” Her response was always, “Of course I can!”

Aissatou’s journey at Pace offered her endless opportunities for growth personally, academically, and professionally. She learned to have the confidence to create opportunities where she couldn’t find any. “Pace’s motto, Opportunitas, extends beyond what has the university has to offer,” she says. “Opportunitas also means to be the change you want to see in the world, to be bold, and to reimagine the impossible.”

As the student speaker during the Lubin School of Business 2023 commencement ceremony, she delivered an inspirational speech and ended it with a Milton Berle quote: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

Aissatou continues to build doors and other pathways to opportunity. As she reflects on her time at Pace, she says: "The career I have built so far at KPMG has been exciting and fulfilling. I attribute my ability to thrive in this fast-paced environment where change happens sporadically to Pace allowing me to flourish and giving me a platform to pursue incredible opportunities. I was given the opportunity to start a club, be part of several executive boards, be an ambassador and mentor to my peers, and most importantly, pursue degrees that have proven to be most valuable. Pace gave me wings to soar and I've been flying ever since!”

Soaring and flying, though synonymous, demonstrate that opportunity serves as the launching pad to building a successful career. Aissatou’s Pace experience gave her the confidence to hit the ground running with skills that will ensure she remains in high demand.