T HURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024
Ray Charles Performing Arts 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 underrepresented 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 underrepresented minority 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 underrepresented minority 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 Minority Health, 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 from underrepresented and underserved populations 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 minority students represented in the areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, and occupational safety and health.
Assessing the Impart of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act on Household Energy Security and CO2 in Georgia
Prevalence of Chemical Hair Straightener Use
The Perceptions, Barriers, and Preferences of Mobile Health Clinics for Conducting HIV Testing in the Southern United States
Improving Sexual Health Conversations Among Black Adolescent Girls and Women Through Patient-Clinician Communication and SisterLove Inc. HLE Data Analysis
Elucidation of Best Practices for Increasing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility Training in the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, & Environmental Diseases: An Environmental Scan
Impacts of Decarbonization Scenarios on Reducing Air Quality Health Disparities in Georgia
Trends and Disparities in Coverage with Two or More Doses of Influenza Vaccine by Age 24 months
Factors Influencing the Willingness of PrEP Uptake Among Cisgender African American Women Residing in Georgia & Kentucky
Optimizing Asthma Management: Leveraging EHR Systems for Better AAP Usage and Stakeholder Collaboration
Public Health Campaign to Stop the HIV/AIDS Epidemic
Effective Communications Tools in Increasing NAACFRC Audience Engagement
Sunscreen Use Among U.S. High School Students by Sex & Race/Ethnicity
Protection Against Occupational Hearing Loss Among Dental Professionals
Assessing Implementaion of the Health Checklist
Cronobacter Sakazakii Contamination of Powdered Infant Formula (PIF): An Emerging Worldwide Hazard of Public Health Importance
Jamar Austin
Priya Ranjan, PhD
Sophia Bahru
Dan Loughlin, PhD
Ciné Brown
Emily Adam
Marie Kava
Kennedy Camp
Alison Poole White
Gaea Daniel, PhD
Harper Cooper
Alison Poole White
Reyna Patterson
Saba Gebeyehu
Michelle Roth, PhD
Salma Glili
Dan Loughlin, PhD
Alyssia Horsley
Laurie Elam-Evans, PhD
Holly Hill, PhD
CaDarius Isaac
Rhonda Holliday, PhD
Samantha Martin
Jamellah Jackson
Heidi LeSane
Ellen Bucker, PhD
Linda Gibson-Young, PhD
Lamar Jackson
Victoria Kirby York
Nadia La Mar
Latrice Rollins, PhD
Darius McAfee
Sun Hee Rim, PhD
Dawn Holman, PhD
Jerral McNair
Christi Themann
Ashlyn Miller
Enjoli Willis, PhD
Breanna Peterson
Irshad Sulaiman, PhD
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Program
PrEP Uptake/Awareness Among Black College Adults in Atlanta Georgia and New Orleans Louisiana
Examining Pancreatic Cancer Incidence: A Demographic Analysis
Maritime Illness Reporting for Varicella
Strengthening Immunization Service Delivery and Demand for Immunization in Low and Middle-Income Settings
James Platt
Leisha McKinley-Beach
Cameron Selders
Latrice Rollins, PhD
Jibri Shelby
Leisha McKinley-Beach
Chloe Smith
Sun Hee Rim, PhD
Ingrid Hall, PhD
Kipauno Washington
Yonette Hercules
Sundari Mase, PhD
Nailah Wheeler
Ciara Sugerman, PhD
Ms. Ledor Igboh
Examining Structural Racism As A Determinant of Hypertension Prevalence
Examining the Association Between Structural Racism and Breast Cancer Incidence in North
(United States)
Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is associated with Housing Stability and Health Insurance Access Among Black Sexual Minority Men (SMM) in the United States.
Assessing the Evolution: Leadership Changes in PEPFAR and Their Influences On The HIV/AIDS Response
KiHyira Jones
Samuel Baxter, PhD
Nathalia Gomez-Artica
Samuel Baxter, PhD
Charles Agba
Adedotun Ogunbajo, PhD
Yvonne Boadi
Tamara Cox
Mice vs. Food: How Diet Affects Gut Microbe and Cholesterol Levels
Parabens & Phenols
Community-based Collaborative to Improve Birth Outcomes for Latina Women in Detroit
The Impact of Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Consumption on Health
Impact of Early/Mid-Pregnancy Stress on DNA Methylation of the Melatonin Receptor Gene
Arianna Arthuron
Karen Peterson
Kezia’h Brown
Nadia Bozadjieva-Kramer
Amir Childs
Jackie Goodrich, PhD
Adrianna Highgate
Paul J. Fleming, PhD
Nia Turner
Carrie Karvonen-Gutierrez, PhD
Zakiyah Sapp
Erica Jansen, PhD
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Morehouse College Public Health Sciences Institute (PHSI)
Lewis Scholars Imhotep Project 2024 Summer Program
Scholar Research Poster Presentations
Ray Charles Performing Arts Center
9:00am – 10:00am
Closing Ceremony
Ray Charles Performing Arts Center
10:15am – 11:30am
W ELCOME
W ORDS OF E NCOURAGEMENT
NyThea Campbell Tolbert, PhD, MPH Assistant Director, Public Health Sciences Institute
Julio Dicent Taillepierre Lewis Scholars Project Officer Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Office of Health Equity
L EWIS S CHOLARS I MHOTEP P ROJECT
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
H ARPER COOPER
A SHLYN M ILLER
A MIR C HILDS
Cynthia Trawick, EdD, MA Director, Public Health Sciences Institute
Reception
Ray Charles Performing Arts Center - Lobby: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Julio Dicent Taillepierre is a Senior Public Health Analyst in the Infrastructure and Capacity Building Team of the Office of Minority Health, Office of Health Equity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mr. Dicent Taillepierre has held several leadership positions since joining the Agency in 2001 and has been deployed to respond to numerous public health emergencies nationally and globally. Prior to his current role, he served from as a Public Health Analyst at the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention - Division of HIV and AIDS Prevention/Capacity Building Branch, where he coordinated national HIV Prevention Community Planning, capacity building efforts and HIV awareness campaigns targeted to Hispanic-serving organizations.
Since joining the Office in 2010, he currently provides technical consultation for the Office on prevention program policy design and managing agency-wide initiatives related to: language access policy; public health internship programs; Healthy People 2020/2030 SDOH objectives; global health equity collaborations with the Pan American Health Organization; and public health emergency training efforts.
Prior to joining the CDC, he held several leadership positions in clinical and community settings including: as the Research Coordinator for the STAR Center at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center’s study examining the possible impact of welfare legislation changes on prenatal and postpartum service utilization; and, as the Director for HIV Services at Alianza Dominicana, Inc. where he oversaw comprehensive HIV care and education services. He has also provided technical training on public health education and promotion strategies to local and regional health ministries in Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Honduras.
Mr. Dicent Taillepierre has a Master’s Degree in Management and Policy Analysis from the New School University and a Liberal Arts degree from Hampshire College.
C HARLES AGBA
Charles Agba is a recent graduate from the George Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a minor in Psychology. He plans to further his education by pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the George Washington University. His career goal is to work as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in clinical research focused on HIV prevention.
A RIANNA A RTHURTON
Arianna Arthurton recently graduated with a major in health science from Spelman College. Arianna plans to further her education by pursuing dental school. Arianna is passionate in research in maternal and sexual health of African Americans.
J AMAR AUSTIN
Jamar Austin is a recent graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in pre-medical Biology. Jamar plans to continue his education as an ORISE fellow for the CDC while pursuing his Masters in Health informatics.
S OPHIA B AHRU
Sophia Bahru is a Senior, Public Health major at Georgia State University. Being a part of the dual degree 4+1 program at her university, Sophia will be obtaining her Bachelor's of Science in Public health this December and will then receive her Master of Public Health in environmental epidemiology next December. Sophia is passionate about air quality, climate change and health, environmental justice, and community engagement.
Y VONNE B OADI
Yvonne Boadi is a senior at the College of William and Mary. Yvonne is a Kinesiology & Health Science Major with a concentration in Public Health. Yvonne plans to further her education by getting her Master of Public Health. She is passionate about public health concerns in Africa.
C INÉ B ROWN
Ciné Brown is a recent graduate from the University of Miami majoring in Health Sciences on the pre-med track, and minoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, public health, and biology. She is continuing her education at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s post baccalaureate program. Cine’s long-term goal is to become a breast oncologist surgeon.
K EZIA' H B ROWN
Kezia’h Brown is a senior Psychology major, Public Health minor at the Illustrious, Clark Atlanta University. Kezia’h plans to further her education by obtaining her RD/PhD in African Centered Health Psychology. She is passionate about the Holistic Health of Black communities as she is on track to become a Full-Spectrum Doula and Herbalist.
K ENNEDY C AMP
Kennedy Camp is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia (UGA) where she earned a B.S. in Health Promotion and a Certificate in Strategic Health and Risk Communication. In the fall Kennedy will be returning to UGA to earn a MPH in Health Policy and Management.
A MIR C HILDS
Amir Childs is a senior psychology major at Morehouse College. He is planning to join the peace corps and attend graduate school. He is also passionate about helping his community.
H ARPER COOPER
Harper Cooper is a Senior Public Health major with a double concentration in biology and English at Xavier University of Louisiana. Harper plans to further her education by pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Informatics. Harper is passionate about intertwining research on maternal health in African American communities and HIV/STI care and prevention amongst Black adolescent girls and young women (BAGYW).
S ABA G EBEYEHU
Saba Gebeyehu is a Senior, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention major at the University of Southern California. Saba plans to further her education by pursuing a Master of Public Health. Saba is passionate about eliminating healthcare inequities for Black communities and developing socially responsible health technology.
S ALMA G LILI
Salma Glili is a senior at Georgia Tech pursuing a bachelors in neuroscience with a concentration in psychology. She has plans to pursue medical school but also has an interest in public health. She is passionate about helping immigrant communities increase their health literacy.
N ATHALIA G OMEZ -A RTICA
Nathalia Gomez-Artica is a 2024 graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Health Science. Nathalia plans to further her education by pursuing a Master's degree in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology. Nathalia is particularly passionate about chronic disease prevention, implementation science, and health equity and disparity research.
A DRIANNA H IGHGATE
Adrianna Highgate is a junior Health Science major at Spelman College. Adrianna plans to further her education by pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Health with the goal of becoming a public health scientist. Adrianna is passionate about advancing health equity through research and advocacy.
A LYSSIA H ORSLEY
Alyssia Horsley is a recent graduate of Spelman College with a degree in Health Science. She is driven by a deep passion for eliminating health disparities in her community. With plans to further her education by pursuing a Master of Public Health.
C A D ARIUS I SAAC
CaDarius Isaac is a rising senior, Public Health major with a minor in Education at Xavier University of Louisiana. CaDarius plans to further his education by pursuing a Master of Public Health and a career focused on policy development and health equity. He is passionate about creating impactful public health initiatives that promote community well-being and address health disparities.
J AMELLAH J ACKSON
Jamellah Jackson is a rising senior at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University majoring in Health Informatics. Jamellah is a part of the Advocate for Youth YWOC Collective Council to work advocating for reproductive justice for Black Women. Jamellah hopes to pursue a Master of Public Health and work as a clinical data analyst.
L AMAR J ACKSON
Lamar Jackson is A Senior, Biology Major on the Pre-Dental Track with a minor in Public Health at Morehouse College. Lamar Plans furthering his education by pursing a master's in biotechnology before going to Dental School to pursue the field of Pediatric Dentistry. Lamar serves as the Vice President for the Collegiate 100 and as the Community Service Chair for the Pre-Dental Society
K I HYIRA J ONES
KiHyira Jones is a Senior, Biology major at Fayetteville State University. KiHyira plans to further her education by pursuing a Master of Public Health and a PhD. KiHyira is a STRADA scholar.
N ADIA L A M AR
Nadia La Mar is a Spring 2024 graduate of Wellesley College who majored in Women's and Gender Studies with a Concentration in Public Health and a minor in Africana Studies. She is passionate about health equity, community health, and health policy. As a recent graduate, Nadia plans on entering the field of public health and working toward positive change.
D ARIUS M C A FEE
Darius McAfee is a rising senior, majoring in Biology with a pre-med concentration attending Kennesaw State University. Darius plans on furthering his education by pursuing medical school with a career goal of becoming a dermatologist. Darius is involved in multiple organizations at Kennesaw that give back to the community and is passionate about mentoring others.
J ERRAL M C N AIR
Jerral McNair is a rising Senior Biology Major on the predental track with a minor in public health at Morehouse College. Jerral plans to further his education by pursing dental school and furthering his career in Cosmetic Dentistry.
A SHLYN M ILLER
Ashlyn Miller is a Senior, Public Health major with a double minor in Psychology and History at Xavier University of Louisiana. Ashlyn plans to further her education by pursuing a Master of Public Health policy and a law certificate. She is passionate about decreasing health disparities through policy.
B REANNA P ETERSON
Breanna Peterson recently graduated from Michigan State University (MSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a minor in African American and African Studies. She plans to further her education by pursuing a master's degree in public health, with a focus on health management and policy. Previously, Breanna worked as a community engagement specialist at the Ingham County Health Department.
J AMES P LATT
James Platt is a senior Biology Major from Morehouse College. James plans on attending dental school with goals to become a practicing dentist. James is passionate about improving racial health inequalities, especially among youth and elders.
Z AKIYAH S APP
Zakiyah Sapp is a rising senior majoring in Health Science on the pre-medical track at Spelman College. Zakiyah plans to attend medical school to pursue an MD/Ph.D. focusing on public health and aims to become an obstetrician-gynecologist. Zakiyah is deeply passionate about researching the impact of environmental toxicants on reproductive disorders in women of color.
C AMERON S ELDERS
Cameron Selders is a Senior, Biology major at Morehouse College. Cameron plans to further his education and pursue a career in Cardiology or Oncology. He is passionate about helping underserved communities and combating the racial disparities seen in the field of medicine.
J IBRI S HELBY
Jibri Shelby is a Senior, Public Health Major with a minor in entrepreneurship at Xavier University of Louisiana. Jibri plans to further his education by pursuing a Master of Public Health and possible doctoral degree in either epidemiology, environmental or global health. Jibri is passionate to addressing the health inequities that affect Black and Brown minorities in other countries.
C HLOE SMITH
Chloe Smith is an alumna of Xavier University of Louisiana, where she earned her bachelor's degree in public health sciences with a minor in French. With past experience in international, pharmaceutical, and educational spaces, she seeks to serve as a bridge between scientific advancement and communities of color. Chloe plans to further her education in public health and business administration, while remaining within spaces of community engagement.
N IA T URNER
Nia Turner is a rising Senior, Health Science major at Spelman College. Nia plans to further her education by pursuing a Master of Nursing followed by a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Nia is a Dean Dewitt’s scholar, and is passionate about Maternal/Child Health and serving marginalized communities by closing the gap within health equity.
K IPAUNO WASHINGTON
Kipauno Washington is a Senior, Economics and Data Science University of Southern California. Kipauno plans to pursue a career in data science post-graduation. Currently, he is leaning towards roles focused on the intersection between data science and public health.
N AILAH W HEELER
Nailah Wheeler is a recent graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Public Health and minoring in Psychology. In Fall 2024, Nailah will be attending Emory University Rollins School of Public Health to pursue a Masters in Global Health and a certificate in Maternal and Child Health. Nailah is committed to a career in public health, she is particularly interested in Global Health initiatives that elevate the health of girls, reduce black maternal mortality, and support women in achieving optimal health.
