Rohan Anand

I am currently conducting research under Professor Ashish Sood at the University of California, Riverside, focusing on the intersection of health policy, social inequality, and physical activity. My work examines systemic barriers to sports participation and access to physical health resources - particularly among underserved youth - and analyzes the broader social, economic, and political structures that shape disparities in health and wellness. This research aims to provide foundations for more inclusive, evidence-based policy solutions that expand access to preventive health opportunities through sports and community engagement.

Collaborating with Dr. Peter McAlindon, Entrepreneur in Residence at the Rollins Crummer Graduate School of Business, on the development of innovative physical therapy solutions for children with cerebral palsy. Our work explores the integration of fencing-based movement systems to enhance motor skills, core strength, and engagement in rehabilitation. This project combines sports science, gamification, and therapeutic design to reimagine pediatric physical therapy through dynamic, accessible, and motivating interventions.

I am the Founder and Executive Director of Rise ‘N’ Reach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to breaking barriers in youth sports and health access for underserved communities. Since 2023, I have led the organization’s growth from a single summer sports program for immigrant children in Clarkston, Georgia, to a citywide initiative partnering with community centers like Agape and East Atlanta Kids Club. Through collaborations with Emory University’s Urban Health Initiative, I’ve integrated health education into our programming, ensuring children not only develop physical traits but also understand nutrition, fitness, and well-being. Our work is grounded in the belief that sports are a transformative tool for equity, empowering kids to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills regardless of income. My leadership at Rise ‘N’ Reach reflects a broader research interest in the social determinants of health and the role of community-based solutions in advancing youth development.

I worked under Mr. Faraz Zubairi at Treehouse Holdings, a private investment and advisory firm that builds and supports growth-stage companies across healthcare, technology, and media. Through Treehouse, I contributed to projects for its portfolio companies, ExamMed and HumazeMD. ExamMed is a telehealth platform that integrates remote monitoring, referral management, and population health into clinical workflows to enhance access, quality, and patient experience. I explored how AI could support the implementation of value-based care models, leading to a publication titled “Top 5 Ways AI Can Advance Value-Based Care for Physicians and Payers,” which I independently researched with expert guidance. At HumazeMD, a platform that helps plastic surgeons showcase before-and-after results and engage patients through digital tools, I supported research initiatives focused on topical dermatology marketing and telehealth opportunities.

The Fulton County Youth Commission (FCYC) program empowers participants to become involved in the local government process as it pertains to youth related legislation, policies and programming. The FCYC’s primary purpose is to advocate for children and youth issues. The program is designed to strengthen the participant’s leadership skills, increase knowledge of local government, and create a means for communication between community leaders and Fulton County youth.

As a Fulton County Youth Commissioner, I have the opportunity to collaborate with the local government to advocate for pressing issues that face the youth today.

As the founder and author of the blog Global Histories of Health, I research and write about the political, economic, and cultural forces that have shaped medical policy and health access around the world. My blog explores case studies ranging from colonial India to industrial Germany and ancient China, using historical analysis to uncover how health systems evolve in response to power, inequality, and social reform. Through this work, I’ve developed strong skills in policy research, comparative analysis, and critical writing, applying a multidisciplinary lens to understand why certain populations are excluded from care and how systems can be restructured to promote equity. My writing is rooted in the belief that meaningful health reform requires both historical understanding and forward-thinking solutions, a perspective that informs my commitment to addressing access gaps through community programs and future research. You can find my blog here: https://globalhistoriesofhealth.blog/

I am co-president of the Westminster Business Leadership Club, where I help organize speaker events, business competitions, and mentorship opportunities to inspire entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem-solving among high school students. I am focused on fostering leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

Agape Community Center empowers underserved families to discover, embrace, and achieve their full potential. As a founder of the Agape Club and sports coordinator, I have the privilege of guiding groups of middle and high school students in engaging younger children through weekly sports activities, including soccer, football, and basketball. These sessions provide opportunities for structured play, physical exercise, and mentorship. In addition to our weekly visits, I help lead bi-weekly planning meetings to develop initiatives, coordinate volunteers, and ensure our programming continues to meet the evolving needs of the Agape community.

I have had the opportunity to organize assemblies, class meetings, grade-wide events, aiming to bring my school community together as a whole.

Clarkston Community Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community center reflecting the community around it: diverse, supportive, and strong. The mission of the Clarkston Community Center is to connect Atlanta's communities and cultures through education, recreation, and the arts.

As a sports coordinator at Clarkston Community Center, I have had the privilege of guiding groups of students in engaging with young kids through sports activities everyday. This offers them a chance to enjoy organized play and exercise on a daily basis throughout the summer.

Emory Urban Health Initiative is a program that sends students at Emory to different community centers to teach topics within health.

The program at Agape is called "Sprouting Readers", and they give lessons on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle to 2nd and 3rd Graders. In collaboration with Emory, I do physical activities about that day's lesson, helping to improve the kids' learning.

I am Nationally Ranked Junior Sabre Fencer, Multi-time National Medalist, and Multi-time Regional Champion.

TiE Global is a nonprofit organization devoted to entrepreneurs in all industries, at all stages, from incubation, throughout the entrepreneurial lifecycle. With a global reach and a local focus, the heart of TiE efforts lies in its five foundational programs, – Mentoring, Networking, Education, Funding, and Incubation.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.