Welcome

A purple and gold banner that reads: HEALTH EQUITY INSTITUTE with the SF State Decal to the right.

Welcome to the Health Equity Institute at San Francisco State University. We are a campus-wide interdisciplinary team advancing health equity through research, education, and campus and community engagement.

Research

HEI is a cross-college research-centered institute dedicated to advancing health and education. Our faculty have active research portfolios, with projects often performed in partnership with colleagues throughout the U.S., internationally, and with active student involvement. Health Equity research is interdisciplinary, focused on producing and sharing impactful scholarship, and is conducted through collaboration. We aim to provide campus leadership in research and student training, to build a community of health equity researchers, and to ensure the next generation of health equity scholars. 

Student Training

Faculty research projects serve as a foundation for education and training in health equity. The Health Equity Student-Scholar Program offers MA-level students the chance to partner with a faculty mentor for hands-on research experience. Students participate in a leadership and development seminar throughout the semester, culminating in a research showcase. This training prepares students for careers in academia, non-profit leadership, technology, and biomedical fields. HEI faculty also support students through independent studies, lab experience, and job opportunities funded by grants and awards.

Campus and Community Engagement:

At the Health Equity Institute (HEI), we recognize that meaningful change in health equity requires active engagement with both the campus and the broader community. Our approach is grounded in collaboration, bringing together students, faculty, community leaders, and public health professionals to address pressing health disparities. HEI is committed to fostering strong partnerships with community-based organizations, policymakers, and healthcare providers, ensuring that the research we conduct and the programs we develop are directly informed by and responsive to the needs of our communities.

Land Acknowledgment

The campuses of San Francisco State University on the San Francisco peninsula and north bay are located within the occupied territories of the Ramaytush Ohlone and the Coastal Miwok (who, along with the Southern Pomo, are organized as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria).