Christa Akerele

Christa Akerele is a dedicated individual with diverse experience in healthcare, research, and community outreach. Currently serving as a Hospital Volunteer in the Emergency Department at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Christa focuses on enhancing patient comfort. As the Artist Ambassador Program Director for Creatives Care Network, Christa connects artists to mental health resources. Christa is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Behavior at Columbia University, where involvement includes a Special Concentration in Business Management and leadership roles on the Community Impact Student Executive Board and as President of Hall Council. Christa's research experience includes work as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, participation in the STEM Summer Research Program at Universidad de Granada, and internships at Northwell Health and the SPURS biomedical research program. Additionally, Christa gained insights into child psychiatry during an observership at Mount Sinai Health System.