Fellows & Projects 2022-2023
Iman Anwar
Healthcare Administration
Texas Woman’s University
Anwar is addressing health disparities for cancer patients in Dallas County by establishing a ‘peer to peer’ support program. This program will help connect newly diagnosed cancer patients or patients in active treatment with those patients who are 6 months out of treatment. In addition to this, community health cancer screening events will be held to raise awareness on different types of cancer screenings in Dallas County and the resources available to them. These screenings will include skin cancer, colon cancer, and more. Community Site: Parkland Health
Carla Ayala
Counseling-Clinical Mental Health
Texas Christian University
Ayala is addressing the mental health and learning disparities for pregnant and parenting adolescents in high school. The program will provide an additional social-emotional learning component that empowers, educates, and prepares this underserved and stigmatized population to develop skills of resilience to become better students, parents, and community members. By working with a strengths-based approach, the students will work in TBRI Nurture Groups using art activities to aid in development of the following skills: prioritizing education; building and maintaining positive relationships; advocating for self or child; mental health and wellness; and parenting skills and support, and establishing goals towards their preferred future. Community Site: Fort Worth ISD
Morgan Jansing
Science Education
Texas Christian University
Jansing is addressing childhood resiliency in Fort Worth by implementing a garden-based education program at local schools. The program will support teachers and students through whole child learning while using the outdoors to foster a healthy body and mind. In addition to educating students in the many ways we can use a garden such as growing nutritious food and as a science laboratory, the program will nurture a sense of place and serve as a way to connect the land resources of their communities. Community Site: Blue Zones Project
Areeba Khwaja
Medicine
Texas Christian University
Khwaja is addressing youth education and career/professional readiness by utilizing structured, comprehensive, and impact-based programs that aim to empower school-aged children through a series of classes, experiential learning, seminars, and community engagement events. In addition to these experiences, participants will learn about a variety of topics ranging from financial literacy to leadership to healthy habits in conjunction with outreach activities in partnership with various community organizations. Ultimately, the program will help children build better literacy, develop leadership and self-advocacy skills, and aid with career exploration. Community Site: Young Women’s Leadership Academy
Pooja Kumar
Medicine
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Kumar is addressing health disparities in individuals experiencing homelessness in the Dallas area by facilitating the growth and ensuring the sustainability of the Patient Navigator Program at UT Southwestern. This program works with individuals experiencing homelessness to establish SMART goals that address topics such as health insurance, housing, and other socioeconomic needs. Through this program, clients learn how to navigate the complex medical system and develop the skillset to set and achieve their goals. Community Site: Union Gospel Mission
Ruchika Mahapatra
Medicine
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Mahapatra is working to improve the health and well-being of students attending Paul Quinn College through providing health education workshops and individualized coaching on healthcare navigation, and enhancing services provided by the school’s clinic based on identified health barriers. Mahapatra is effectuating a four-tier curriculum comprising a Mentor-Mentee Match-Up Program, Educational Session & Focus Group Series, COVID-19 Support initiative, and onsite Health Fair. The Project’s ultimate goal is to implement a sustainable health care program with stakeholders and students through the Paul Quinn clinic - providing services in chronic disease management, mental health, prevention, acute illness and injury care, diagnostic testing, and vaccinations. Community Site: Paul Quinn College
Marcellis Perkins
Higher Education Leadership
Texas Christian University
Perkins is addressing the needs of young men for intentional programming and interpersonal skill development through intentional spaces for holistic development. Focusing on healthy coping skills, professional development, and community building, “Building Up!” or (B.U.) will service Young Men’s Leadership Academy as an after-school enrichment program that will supplement the school. Perkins’ objective is to provide school aged boys skills and tools to live a full, healthy, and productive life. Community Site: Young Men’s Leadership Academy
Medicine
Texas Christian University
Singh is addressing youth mental health concerns in the Historic Southside (76104) community by organizing healing circles for elementary and middle school students that create reflection space centered around well-being and caring for one another. In addition to establishing healing circles, the project will also provide medical students as volunteers at a well-being camp: Akachi Ranch. Through camp activities such as equine-assisted therapy and nutritional classes, these students will learn more about how they can improve their physical and mental well-being. Overall, this project will raise mental health awareness and provide mentorship relationships for these students.
Haldo Treviño II
Medicine
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Haldo Treviño is addressing the lack of access to healthcare for children in immigrant families in Dallas County by establishing a patient navigator program that will help guide families through the American healthcare system. In addition to helping parents find programs to assist with cost burdens, the program seeks to empower parents to advocate for their children by asking questions about treatment, adherence, and next steps. Ultimately the program hopes to build a community that shares information and resources to improve the awareness of available programs that improve the quality of healthcare for their children. Community Site: Jubilee Park Community Center