Mathias Lalika

Mathias Lalika is a Cardiovascular Health Innovations in Equity Fellow in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Mayo Clinic. Mathias completed his MPH in Global Health at the University of Washington. He received his medical degree summa cum laude from the Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina in Havana, Cuba. During his medical training, he worked as a Research Assistant, conducting original research on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer, several literature reviews, and presenting his research at regional and national conferences. Prior to returning to his home country of Tanzania, Mathias completed a medical internship at the Arnaldo Milián Castro University Hospital in Villa Clara, Cuba. His research interests include chronic diseases and addressing health disparities. He is currently conducting community-based participatory research with an emphasis on digital and mHealth behavioral interventions to promote cardiovascular health and health equity.

When reflecting on his experience with START, Mathias stated “At START, I have grown as a person, a public health professional, and a leader. I attribute much of that growth to working with incredible RAs, faculty leads, and clients with varied working and leadership styles—bringing not only global health but also business and policy aspects of public health. Also, wearing multiple hats as a Research Assistant, a Project Manager, and a Student Representative allowed me to learn more about my strengths, areas of improvement, core values, and above all, how to leverage them to influence change. If you thrive in a multifaceted and fast-paced environment, consider making START your next home!”