Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center, Morehouse College
Morehouse College is a historically black college located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is an independent, liberal arts college for men founded in 1867; and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The College is a founding member of the Atlanta University Center, a consortium of four independent institutions forming the largest private center of black higher education in the world. Traditionally, Morehouse College has been a leader in the education of African American men in science and mathematics. The College has an outstanding record of preparing students for graduate school and careers in the health professions. On average 60-70 graduates of Morehouse College science programs enter medical, dental, science and public health graduate schools each year. The success of the science departments in preparing students for graduate and professional school is due in part to the substantial support received from Morehouse’s administration in terms of an ongoing commitment to increasing the number of underrepresented students participating and graduating in the biomedical and public health sciences.
Morehouse College is a historically black college located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is an independent, liberal arts college for men founded in 1867; and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The College is a founding member of the Atlanta University Center, a consortium of four independent institutions forming the largest private center of black higher education in the world. Traditionally, Morehouse College has been a leader in the education of African American men in science and mathematics. The College has an outstanding record of preparing students for graduate school and careers in the health professions. On average 60-70 graduates of Morehouse College science programs enter medical, dental, science and public health graduate schools each year. The success of the science departments in preparing students for graduate and professional school is due in part to the substantial support received from Morehouse’s administration in terms of an ongoing commitment to increasing the number of underrepresented students participating and graduating in the biomedical and public health sciences.
The Public Health Sciences Institute (PHSI) is committed to better meeting the public health needs of our nation and diversifying the public health sciences workforce by producing culturally competent, well-trained minority professionals in public health. The PHSI was created under a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1988 and is the only undergraduate program with a minor in Public Health within the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Consortium. For the past 29 years, the primary goal of the PHSI is to better prepare underrepresented minority students for entry into graduate programs of public health with special emphasis on the quantitative sciences. Specific objectives of PHSI are to: (a) better prepare underrepresented minority students for graduate school by providing a comprehensive educational training program (both didactic and hands-on experiences) in public health; (b) enhance research skills of minority students through public health mentorships; (c) provide minority students with research-based internship opportunities; and (d) increase interest among students to pursue careers in public health.
Since its inception, the PHSI has significantly impacted students in the AUC by actively sponsoring two Public Health internship programs: Project Imhotep (1981) and the Public Health Leader Fellowship Program (PHLFP – 2015). Over 2000 students have participated in one or more of the internship programs and activities provided by the PHSI. Morehouse College’s Project Imhotep and PHLFP are funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE) and the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), respectively. Both of these programs address the Healthy People 2020 overarching goal to achieve health equity, eliminate health disparities, and improve the health of all groups by increasing the quality and quantity of well-trained professionals from underrepresented and underserved populations into the public health workforce.
The Lewis Scholars Imhotep Project is an 11-week summer internship program designed to increase the knowledge and skills of undergraduate minority students in biostatistics, epidemiology, and occupational safety and health.
The program begins with two weeks of intense educational training in public health courses such as Public Health & Health Disparities, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Scientific Writing. The purpose of this training is to equip interns with the academic information necessary to complete the program. During the following nine weeks, interns are paired in a one-on-one mentored relationship with experts at CDC, academic institutions, local and state agencies, or community-based organizations to complete a public health research project. In addition, interns participate in a variety of seminars, workshops, educational initiatives, and are required to complete 16 hours of community service.
Interns will culminate their experience by giving an oral poster presentation to their peers, mentors and public health professionals and develop a research manuscript suitable for publication in a scientific journal. Interns will receive a stipend, lodging on the campus of Morehouse College, course credit and travel expenses to and from their city of origin.
J OHN R. L EWIS S CHOLARS
The CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and supports the following institutions in their efforts to increase the number of students who are engaged in public health education and training:
Morehouse College
▪ Columbia University
▪ Kennedy Krieger Institute
▪ Southern Plains Tribal Health Board
▪ University of Michigan
▪ University of Pittsburgh
▪
▪ University of California - Los Angeles
For more than 40 years, the primary goal of Project Imhotep has been to prepare students for entry into graduate programs and careers in Public Health. To continue its mission, the Morehouse College Public Health Sciences Institute is now funded under CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program: Exposure of Undergraduate, Graduate Students, and Postgraduates to Public Health, and Health Professions – as the Lewis Scholars Imhotep (LSI) Project.
The LSI Project will address the Healthy People 2030 overarching goal to achieve health equity, eliminate health disparities, and improve the health of all groups by increasing the quality and quantity of well-trained professionals into the public health workforce. More than 2000 students have participated in one or more of the internship programs and activities provided by PHSI and 77% of these students have earned or are pursuing an advanced degree in public health and/or in biomedical health (Duffus, W., Trawick, C., Moonesinghe R., Tola J., Truman B. & Dean, H. (2014)). The majority of the participants (55%) are currently working in a public health position including: federal (23%), state (6%), local (5%), academia (23%), non-governmental organizations (21%), and other (35%). Thus, PHSI has a substantial impact on the development of students represented in the areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, and occupational safety and health.
How does stigma, HIV-related knowledge, and medical mistrust shape PrEP acceptance among African American women across different age groups?
Implementation of asthma action plans on Asthma Quality of Life in K–12 school settings
Pre-diabetes and cardiovascular disease in African and Hispanic Americans.
Stigma and Prevention: Investigating the Link Between HIV-Related Stigma and PrEP Uptake Among African American Women
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Staff Education Programs in Reducing HIVRelated Stigma in Clinical Settings.
Promoting medical cannabis literacy through AI
How can Georgia enhance its use of surveillance systems to detect, respond to, and reduce opioid overdose rates?
Interventions to Address Sleep Disparities: A Narrative Review
Black women and HIV prevention: How to increase PREP uptake amongst black women to reduce HIV rates
Feeding Better Futures: A Systematic Review of Implementation Strategies in Food is Medicine Programs
Identifying barriers to Dental appointment adherence among people living with HIV
Mixed-Methods Evaluation of HIV Outreach Strategies in Underserved Communities
Capacity Building for HIV Outreach Workers: A Training Module for HighImpact Engagement
Using Data to Monitor Health Concierge Services in an HIV Prevention, Care, and Emotional Wellness Setting
Healthy Love Pregame (PrEP Parties) project, which is a community-based participatory initiative focused on increasing PrEP uptake and adherence among Black Women in Atlanta, Georgia.
Investigating Technology Acceptance regarding Digital Asthma Action plans in Alabama Schools
Adji Keinde
Rhonda Holliday
Daisy Ontiveros
Heidi Lesane, Ellen Buckner,
Linda Gibson-Young, Phd
Jordyn Marshall
Kate Manz, Phd
Jerlisa Winston
Rhonda Holliday, Phd
Novae Davis
Michelle Allen
Destiny Dancy
Maisha Standifer, Phd
Brianna Feliz
Donovan Stephens
Alexis Dickerson
Dayna Johnson, Phd
Kimani Williams
Maisha Standifer, Phd
Isabella Hernandez
Latrice Rollins, PhD
Ahmand Tate
Michelle Allen
Ayishat Yussuf
Michelle Allen
Curtis Williams
Michelle Allen
Keziah Corbett
Michelle Allen
Queen Hatcher-Johnson
Daga Sinyan
Reyna Cierra Patterson, Phd
Sidi Ndiaye
Ellen Buckner, Phd
Linda Gibson-Young, Phd
Heidi LeSane
Aylin Sumengen, Phd
Trends in HIV Testing and Prevention Behaviors: A Secondary Data Analysis of Regional Survey Data
Impact of Community Health Worker Home Deployment on COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence and Uptake
Development of a Regional Data Dashboard for Monitoring Child and Family Well-Being in the Southeastern U.S.
Creating Stakeholder Surveys to Improve HIV Service Delivery and Stakeholder Retention
What are the key barriers and facilitators affecting retention in HIV care among individuals living with HIV in metropolitan Atlanta?
Positive Impact Health Center/ HIV training and Crucial Conversations
HIV Outreach Approaches and its effectiveness
Assessing the Impact of Peer Navigation on Linkage to HIV Care Post-Diagnosis
Doxy-PrEP/PEP as a Strategy for STD Prevention: A Pilot Study on Acceptability and Adherence
Integrating Mental Health and HIV Care for GBMSM in Kenya: The Roles of Trust and Confidentiality
Rooted in Risk: PFAS Exposure Through Cultural Haircare Practices
Analyzing cytokine production of monocytes and macrophages post lead exposure
Indianapolis Vacant Land Reuse Project
Analysis of the Sense Of Belonging in Divine 9 Fraternities Across Varying Institutions
Vacant Land Reuse toolkit
Prenatal Care as a Tool to Increase Clinician Empathy and Decrease Bias
How does Social Context relate to disparities in county-level prostrate cancer incidence
Cameryn Thorpe
Reyna Patterson
Jeffery Mobley
Michelle Allen
Aaliyah White
Asia Rivers
Fredrick White
Latrice Rollins, Phd
Christopher Floyd
Michelle Allen
Tyler Hutcherson
Michelle Allen
Brianna Cash
Michelle Allen
Raevion Piggee
Michelle Allen
Siscoy Curry
Michelle Allen
Rachel Cole
Michelle Allen
Gregory “Grey” Felzien, Phd
Daniel Mintz
Gary W. Harper, Phd
Kameron Motley
Kate Manz, Phd
Isaiah Frazier
Justin Colacino
Xavier Graves
Justin Heinze
Anthony Ross
Justin Heinze
Unimashi Akande
Roshanak Mehdipanah
Barivure Yorka
Kristin Zeneé Black, Phd, MPH
Rasheed Adagun
Samuel Baxter, PhD
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Morehouse College Public Health Sciences Institute (PHSI)
LEWIS SCHOLARS IMHOTEP PROJECT 2025 SUMMER PROGRAM
G RADUATE S CHOOL A DMISSIONS PANEL : 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Bank of America Auditorium
A conversation led by graduate school recruiters around the process of applying for admission, identifying funding and best practices and tips for navigating the graduate school experience. Topic areas include: Grad School Admission & Application Tips, Financial Aid & Funding, Career De velopment & Outcomes, General Insight & Advice
S CHOLAR R ESEARCH P OSTER P RESENTATIONS : 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center Rooms
C LOSING C EREMONY: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Bank of America Auditorium
W ELCOME
W ORDS OF E NCOURAGEMENT
L EWIS S CHOLARS I MHOTEP P ROJECT
NyThea Campbell Tolbert, PhD, MPH Assistant Director, Public Health Sciences Institute
Nathan Griffin
Lewis Scholars Project Officer Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Office of Health Equity
Shannon Jolly, PhD
P RESENTATION OF C ERTIFICATES Program Manager, Public Health Sciences Institute
Jigsa Tola, DrPH Data Manager, Public Health Sciences Institute
S TUDENT R EFLECTIONS
C LOSING R EMARKS
B RIANNA F ELIZ
J EFFREY M OBLEY
Cynthia Trawick, EdD, MA Director, Public Health Sciences Institute
G RADUATE R ECRUITMENT FAIR & R ECEPTION : 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center Atrium
Rasheed Adagun
Rasheed Adagun is a junior at the University of Georgia majoring in biomedical physiology on the premed track. After his undergraduate career, he plans to attend medical school and hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Unimashi Akande
Unimashi Akande is from Katy, Texas. He is a senior biology major at Morehouse College with an interest in public health on the premed track. After his matriculation at Morehouse, he plans to pursue an MD at Morehouse School of Medicine.
Brianna Cash
Brianna Cash is a junior at Georgia Southern University majoring in Public Health with a minor in Art. Originally from Snellville, Georgia, she is passionate about child health development, HIV prevention, and community health advisory. Post graduation Brianna plans to pursue graduate studies in pediatric public health or child health policy, with a long-term goal of working in community-based healthcare or advocacy organizations that serve vulnerable youth.
Rachel Cole
Rachel Cole is a spring 2025 Psychology graduate from Southern University. She intends to pursue a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences or Health Promotion and Education. She plans to leverage her background in psychology to advance community health initiatives and evidence-based interventions.
Siscoy Curry
Siscoy Curry is a recent graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Sciences from. She is committed to advancing health equity, harm reduction, and HIV prevention in underserved communities. After the LSI Project, she plans to continue her work in New Orleans with Crescent Care’s Prevention Department.
Destiny Dancy
Destiny Dancy is a rising senior at Michigan State University majoring in Information Science with a concentration in Information and Society. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master’s in Health Informatics, with the goal of becoming a health analyst.
Novae Davis
Novae Davis is a Detroit, Michigan native and current junior at Georgia State University where he is majoring in Chemistry/Pre-Med. He plans to pursue an MD in Internal Medicine alongside an MPH in Epidemiology and Health Policy. Ultimately, he aims to build a career as a Chief Medical Officer, Health Systems Executive, or Medical Director, and transition into serving as a U.S. Congressman.
Alexis Dickerson
Alexis Dickerson is a recent graduate from Georgia State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. In the future, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in Health Informatics with the goal of becoming a health informatics specialist!
Brianna Feliz
Brianna Feliz is from Brookfield, Connecticut. She is a recent graduate with a B.S. in Health Science with a Concentration in Public Health and a minor in Healthcare Management. In the following years, she plans to work in the field of public health as well as obtain a master's in public health.
Christopher Floyd
Christopher Floyd is from Fayetteville, Georgia. He is currently pursuing a degree in Health Promotion with minors in Global Health and Health Policy & Management at the University of Georgia. His long-term goal is to become a healthcare administrator specializing in quality improvement.
Isaiah Frazier
Isaiah Fraier is a rising senior biology major at Morehouse College, originally from Columbia, South Carolina. Committed to advancing health equity, Isaiah aspires to earn both an MPH and a PhD in Health Behavior and Health Equity to address and reduce health disparities in underserved communities.
Xavier Graves
Xavier Graves is a junior biology major and public health minor at Morehouse College, originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. After completing his undergraduate studies, he plans on pursuing a dual MPH/MD degree to further his commitment to advancing health equity and improving community health outcomes.
Isabella Hernandez
Isabella Hernandez is a public health major with a global health certificate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Next fall she will be start her accelerated masters in Public Health- Epidemiology at UWM as well. Her ultimate dream in public health is to work for the World Health Organization (WHO) to help mitigate and track infectious diseases in lesser developed countries.
Tyler Hutcherson
Tyler Hutcherson is a first-generation college student from Snellville, Georgia. She is a junior at Albany State University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biology on the pre-med track. Tyler aspires to become an OB - GYN and plans to open a clinic that serves African American and underserved communities. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend medical school to continue her path toward making healthcare more accessible and equitable.
Adji Keinde
Adji Keinde is from Clarksburg, Maryland by way of Dakar, Senegal. She is a rising senior at Spelman College majoring in Psychology with a minor in Public Health. Upon graduating, She plans to pursue a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health, with the goal of becoming a maternal and child health analyst.
Jordyn Marshall
Jordyn Marshall is a proud Pensacola, Florida native and biology major at Tougaloo College. She plans to pursue an MD/PhD through Howard University and the NIH Oxford Scholars Program. Her goal is to become a dermatologist specializing in alopecia and hair health in the African American community.
Daniel Mintz
Daniel Mintz is a recent graduate of Morehouse College with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Public Health. As he looks towards applying to graduate school, his plan after the LSI Program is to continue honing his research skills and gain experience in the behavioral health space.
Jeffery Mobley
Jeffery Mobley is from Columbus, Georgia and a recent graduate of Howard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. This fall, he will begin a Master’s program in Healthcare Administration, as part of my long-term goal to pursue medical school and ultimately become a physician and healthcare executive.
Kameron Motely
Kameron Motley is an undergraduate student at Morehouse College, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Public Health from the city of Flint, Michigan. He is currently exploring graduate school options and hopes to pursue a Master of Public Health with a focus on health equity and health policy. Kameron has a strong interest in the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health due to its commitment to community engagement and social justice. His long-term goal is to build a career addressing systemic health disparities in underserved communities.
Sidi Ndiaye
Sidi Ndiaye is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia. Post-graduate, Sidi plans to attain his Master of Health Administration from the University of Georgia, with a future aspiration of working in Healthcare IT or Administration.
Daisy Ontiveros
Daisy Ontiveros is a current nursing and healthcare policy student at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, CA. In the future, she hopes to become a CRNA and work with underserved communities to provide equitable healthcare access across the US.
Raveion Piggee
Raevion Piggee is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a psychology major with a concentration in Public Health at Marquette University. As a proud TRIO Upward Bound alumnus and current Educational Opportunity Program student, Ihe plans to pursue a Master of Public Health after graduation. He aspires to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Anthony Ross
Anthony Ross is a graduating senior biology major at Morehouse College from Conyers, GA. Once graduating he plans to pursue medical school. His career goals are to become a Neuropsychologist and a n Oncologist (M.D/Ph.D) .
Daga Sinyan
Daga Sinyan is from the DMV area. She is a senior at the University of Maryland, where she is majoring in Public Health Practice with a minor in Humanities, Health, and Medicine. Daga has plans to pursue a Master’s in Global Health, with a concentration in MCH. Her long-term goal is to earn a PhD and eventually work for a global health organization such as the WHO or UNICEF, Africa CDC etc.
Ahmand Tate
Ahmand Tate is from Snellville, GA and a recent graduate of Savannah State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. He is currently attending the University of Georgia earning a master's degree in biomedical science. After his masters he plans to go to dental school to pursue a DDS with a specialization to become an endodontist.
Cameryn Thorpe
Cameryn Thorpe is a junior Health Science major at Spelman College from Atlanta, Georgia. She aspires to become a hematologist, with a focus on sickle cell disease and improving care in underserved communities. Cameryn plans to attend medical school and is passionate about research, health equity, and advocacy for chronically ill patients.
Aaliyah White
Aaliyah White attends Tougaloo College, where she is earning a degree in Biology. She is passionate about child health and development, and aspires to attend medical school to become a pediatrician.
Fredrick White
Fredrick White is from Madison, Mississippi. He is a senior computer science major and Provost Scholar at Tougaloo College. He is passionate about applying data science and computing to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. After graduation, he plans to pursue graduate studies in computer science with a focus on public health applications.
Curtis Williams
Curtis Williams attends Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College where he is majoring in Rehabilitation Services and Counseling. Curtis’s future aspirations are to become a mental health counselor and work within the public health system to make counseling and rehabilitation services more accessible to underserved communities.
Kimani Williams
Kimani Williams is a senior at Tuskegee University where she is pursuing a double major in Biology and Public Health Nutrition on the pre-med track. Following graduation, she plans to enroll in a dual MD/MPH or DO/MPH program with a concentration in Health Policy and Management. Her long-term goal is to become an Integrative OB-GYN and establish a wellness center in an urban community.
Jerlisa Winston
Jerlisa Winston is a rising senior Psychology major at Tougaloo College, originally from Greenwood, Mississippi. After earning her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a goal to work with individuals facing mental illness and trauma.
Barivure Yorka
Barivure Yorka is originally from Kansas City, Missouri. She is a recent graduate from the University of Southern California, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at USC’s Keck School of Medicine with a concentration in Health Services and Policy. Barivure plans to become an OB-GYN specializing in maternal-fetal medicine and hopes to one day open her own practice.
Ayishat Yussuf
Ayishat Yussuf is a Baltimore native and rising senior at Spelman College where she’s majoring in psychology with a minor in public health. After Spelman, she plans to earn a Master's of Public Health and Ph.D. concentrated in Environmental Health. She hopes to become an Environmental Health Scientist to improve the population's health through advocacy and community-based research.
In Loving Memory
1945 – 2019
W ILLIAM (B ILL ) C ARTER J ENKINS , P H D, MPH
A true champion for health disparities and social justice in healthcare, public health and health research.
LEADER | MENTOR | PROFESSOR
Dr. Jenkins taught medical, graduate, and undergraduate students in epidemiology, biostatistics, ethics, and public health at Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine. He was a longtime advisor on the development of MPH programs at Morehouse School of Medicine and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Dr. Jenkins served as a research professor in the Public Health Sciences Institute and the Research Center on Health Disparities at Morehouse College.
A CKNOWL E DGEMENTS
HOST INSTITUTION
Morehouse College
F. DuBois Bowman, PhD, President
Kendrick Brown, PhD, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Public Health Sciences Institute
Cynthia Trawick, EdD, MA, Director
Ralph Coates, MPA, Co-Director
NyThea Campbell Tolbert, PhD, MPH Assistant Director
Evelyn Sermons, Executive Assistant
Shannon Jolly, PhD, Program Manager
Jigsa Tola, Data Manager
Jordan Washington, Student Assistant
Kaleb Verner, Student Assistant
Lamar Jackson, Student Assistant
Lewis Scholars Imhotep Project Faculty
Natalie Crawford Beamer, PhD, MPH
Michael Joseph, PhD
Alexis B. Peterson, PhD
Dwann Davenport, PhD SPONSORS
C ENTERS FOR D ISEASE C ONTROL AND P REVENTION
Office of Minority Health & Health Equity (OMHHE)
MENTORS
We acknowledge the Mentors who have worked with our Interns this Summer. Without their time and wisdom, the Program would not be possible.
Finally, we thank everyone, past and present, for their contributions in the progression of the success of Lewis Scholars Imhotep (LSI) Project.
L EWIS S CHOLARS I MHOTEP P ROJECT
2025 S UMMER P ROGRAM
In Cooperative Agreement with: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Grant Number: 1-NU50CD300864
