2023-2024 Class

Aishawarrya’s project, Science Fair Initiative (SciFI) will provide early introduction to scientific research to students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM through science fair projects. She will use project-based learning techniques to make research more accessible to students at a young age. The goal of SciFI is to increase the likelihood that the participating students Read More >>

Nia will be continuing Breaking Down Breast Cancer now in its 3rd year. Previously at Birmingham Free Clinic, Nia will work to expand and transition care to other clinics throughout the Pittsburgh area while providing follow-up to patients at Birmingham Free Clinic. The goal of her project will remain the same, which is to educate Read More >>

Sindhu’s project will focus on the dental management of participants with special needs and their caregivers. She will hold sessions to discuss the practice of preventive oral health care and the different ways to maintain good oral health for her participants. Sindhu plans to review and have her participants and caregivers practice brushing and flossing Read More >>

Peyton will be implementing the Caregiver Connect Project along with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and HopeGrows. She will address the mental health needs of caregivers of medically complex children through implementation of a peer-to-peer support group, educational and wellness workshops, and in-patient social activities. The goal of Peyton’s project is to increase the support Read More >>

Shobena’s project, Operation Healthy Smiles, is designed to serve underserved children throughout the Pittsburgh region. Her project will address oral health care needs and the influence of nutrition and diet on dental health. Shobena will provide resources and individualize plans that address the needs of each child. She will work to improve dental hygiene and Read More >>

Alyssa’s project is Improving Health Literacy and Access in Incarcerated Populations, which will focus on providing information to currently or recently incarcerated individuals about common health conditions and how to access healthcare resources after they are out of incarceration. This will be done through communicating with currently or recently incarcerated individuals about what they want to know, Read More >>

Tonianne and Monica continue to implement HEAR-UP (Hearing Education and Resources for Underserved Populations) – now in its 6th year. This project provides hearing services to patients at the Birmingham Free Clinic, Squirrel Hill Health Center (SHHC), and Catholic Charities. The health issue being addressed through their project is hearing loss. At these locations Tonianne Read More >>

Ektha and Sohan plan to work with incarcerated or recently incarcerated individuals to address chronic health conditions and the barriers that they face. Their project will incorporate focus groups, interviews, and interactive activities to help overcome environmental disparities, critical health barriers, and access to care. Through these sessions, Ektha and Sohan hope to develop interventions Read More >>

Keerthi is working with the Allegheny County Health Department to address the county’s high burden of pediatric asthma and racial/geographic outcome disparities through the Asthma Control Project (ACP). The ACP partners with the American Lung Association (ALA) and Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) to improve pediatric asthma outcomes through community education, advocacy, and home Read More >>

Christina’s project, Good Mood Food, aims to address the interconnected chronic health issues of mental wellbeing and healthy eating. This will be accomplished through a series of workshops that combine various health-promoting skills: coping strategies, guided reflections, and nutritiously accessible meal preparation. The goal is to boost knowledge and familiarity with healthy foods and how to Read More >>

Dorothy’s project focuses on the needs of caregivers for older adults with dementia and other debilitating neurological illnesses. The goal of her project is to address the psychosocial and health issues that burden caregivers. Dorothy will look and connect with current resources and infrastructures that support these caregivers and will also look at the differences Read More >>

Trudy’s project, WomEmpowerment, is an Afghan Women’s Empowerment Group. She is working with refugee mothers resettled in Pittsburgh with the Jewish Family Community Services (JFCS). Her project will address chronic disease and health risk behaviors. She will hold a series of classes that focus on topics such as nutrition, exercise, and mental health. Trudy will Read More >>