2024-2025<\/h1><\/div>Current Projects<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/span><\/span>About Our Current Projects<\/h2><\/div>Most of these projects can be expanded by new Fellow applicants. Legacy projects (those that are at least in their second year of existence) are marked with an asterisk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Aging & Elderly Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Children & Adolescent Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Health of Individuals Living with Intellectual and Developmental Differences or Physical Disabilities<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Nutrition, Healthy Eating, & Exercise<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Refugee & Immigrant Health<\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Unhoused Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Vulnerable Communities<\/a> Health<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Women\u2019s Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span>About Our Current Projects<\/h2><\/div>Most of these projects can be expanded by new Fellow applicants. Legacy projects (those that are at least in their second year of existence) are marked with an asterisk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Our Current Projects for<\/div><\/div>Women’s Health<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/monsoon.dev\/projects\/schweitzer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Jasmin-Ali-Alejandra-Duque-and-Cassie-Leissner-800px.jpg\" "\\"Current")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Jasmin Ali, Alejandra Duque, and Cassie Leissner<\/h4><\/div>University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
\nThe Dr. Theresa Tran and Bill Carapucci Schweitzer Fellows, and The Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Project Match<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: MatCHresence
\nSite Mentor: LaSondra Keys, MSW; Academic Mentors: Kimberly Pilkinton, MD, MPH, FACOG, and Omolola Adepoju, PhD, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
Project Match aims to reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes among pregnant people of color in Houston by empowering them with knowledge and tools to achieve healthy pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods. This year, the program seeks to expand its reach by increasing participant numbers and establishing new community partnerships. <\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact jali@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>, aduque@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>, or cjculver@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Rachel Bates<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
Postpartum Education Program<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Baylor Scott and White Obstetrics
\nSite Mentor: Kayla Skala, MSN, RNC-OB, NEA-BC; Academic Mentor: Jessica Ehrig, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>
The Postpartum Education Program partners with the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center- Temple to provide childbirth classes for moms receiving Medicaid and WIC services. Bates aims to empower these women to take control of their postpartum journeys and persevere through the challenges of breastfeeding.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact rachel.bates@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/monsoon.dev\/projects\/schweitzer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Rachel-Bates-800px.jpg\" "\\"Rachel")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/monsoon.dev\/projects\/schweitzer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Richa-John-Shivanki-Juneja-and-Isha-Parikh-800px.jpg\" "\\"Screenshot\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Richa John, Shivanki Juneja, and Isha Parikh<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth McGovern Medical School<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Moms to Moms<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospitals
\nSite Mentors: Irene Stafford, MD and Efua Leke, MD, MPH; Academic Mentor: Sarah Conrad, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>
Juneja, Parikh, and John are addressing maternal health in Harris County, Houston, through a comprehensive program focused on prenatal and postpartum education to improve health literacy. This initiative, primarily based within the Harris Health System, serves underserved and vulnerable populations. The program aims to significantly and sustainably improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes by providing personalized education and resource referrals and creating general stand-alone resources.\u200b<\/p>\n
This project will be continued outside of the Fellowship as a student-led program.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sarah Rashdan<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine
\nHarris County Asset Forfeiture Fund Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>
Wellness at Angela House<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Angela House
\nSite Mentor: Sarah Mabry, LCDC-CI; Academic Mentor: Sarah-Ann Keyes, EdD, PA-C<\/p>\n<\/div>
Rashdan aims to improve health outcomes through sustainable lifestyle modifications. The program will incorporate physical activity, meditation, and nutrition education to improve perceived levels of stress, symptoms of depression, physical health status, and self-efficacy for nutrition.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact sarah.rashdan@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/monsoon.dev\/projects\/schweitzer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sarah-Rashdan-800px.jpg\" "\\"Sarah")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Our Current Projects for<\/div><\/div>Nutrition & Fitness<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/monsoon.dev\/projects\/schweitzer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Inaara-Aly-Esther-Jeong-and-Megan-Zachariah-800px.jpg\" "\\"Current")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Inaara Aly, Esther Jeong, and Megan Zachariah<\/h4><\/div>UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine, UTMB School of Public And Population Health<\/p>\n<\/div>
Grub Club<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Galveston Urban Ministries (GUM)
\nSite Mentor: Yvette Smith; Academic Mentors: Sagar Kamprath, MD, and Cara Pennel, DrPH, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
Grub Club is a dietary and lifestyle education program aimed at the youth of Galveston Urban Ministries and the Galveston Only Farmers Market. Through this program, the team aspires to address food insecurity and empower the local youth. By offering nutrition education, facilitating meal preparation sessions, and organizing activities that encourage long-term health, they hope to drive meaningful change. <\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact ibaly@utmb.edu<\/a>, eyjeong@utmb.edu<\/a>, or mazachar@utmb.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Mathew Mendoza<\/h4><\/div>University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
FitCuney Homes<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: FIT Houston
\nSite Mentor: Lharissa Jacobs, MBA; Academic Mentor: David Buck, MD, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
FitCuney Homes aims to illuminate and address the barriers and enablers to physical activity in Houston\u2019s oldest and largest federally subsidized housing complex, Cuney Homes. The project seeks to gather insights directly from residents and community stakeholders to inform and adapt physical activity interventions for a healthier and thriving Cuney Homes.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact mmendo31@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/monsoon.dev\/projects\/schweitzer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Mathew-Mendoza-800px.jpg\" "\\"Mathew")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/monsoon.dev\/projects\/schweitzer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Brianna-Miranda-and-Stephanie-Trejo-Corona-800px.jpg\" "\\"Brianna")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Brianna Miranda and Stephanie Trejo Corona<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
\nThe Sue Smith and Craig Brown Schweitzer Fellow, and The Robert Gondo and Jaewon Kang Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>
Segundo Harvest: Growing a Neighborhood Produce Program<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Finca Tres Robles
\nSite Mentor: Tiffany Valle, MA; Academic Mentors: Sister Rosanne Popp, MD, and Belinda Reininger, DrPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
Trejo Corona and Miranda aim to address food insecurity and chronic health disparities by facilitating access to fresh, locally sourced foods at no cost for low-income residents through a neighborhood produce program at Finca Tres Robles, a non-profit farm in Houston\u2019s historic East End. This project seeks to add and analyze health metrics and qualitative data to clarify programming impact, engage with the families served by providing nutritional knowledge, and demonstrate the impact of sustainable, community-based solutions aimed at optimizing health outcomes and reducing disparities.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact brianna.miranda@bcm.edu<\/a> or stephanie.trejocorona@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Purvi Desai and Reagan Isbell<\/h4><\/div>Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Nourish<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: YES Prep Fifth Ward
\nSite Mentor: Niekya Smith and Erin Groeteke, MEd; Academic Mentor: Prachi Priya, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>
Desai and Isbell are addressing adolescent nutrition at YES Prep Fifth Ward by teaching weekly after-school cooking classes. Nourish aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills to eat healthy at home, providing a stable and supportive environment for students to safely learn how to cook nutritious meals, grow their confidence, and inspire healthier food choices.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact purvi.desai@tamu.edu<\/a> or reagangi@tamu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Current Projects<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/span><\/span>About Our Current Projects<\/h2><\/div>Most of these projects can be expanded by new Fellow applicants. Legacy projects (those that are at least in their second year of existence) are marked with an asterisk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Aging & Elderly Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Children & Adolescent Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Health of Individuals Living with Intellectual and Developmental Differences or Physical Disabilities<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Nutrition, Healthy Eating, & Exercise<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Refugee & Immigrant Health<\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Unhoused Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Vulnerable Communities<\/a> Health<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Women\u2019s Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span>About Our Current Projects<\/h2><\/div>Most of these projects can be expanded by new Fellow applicants. Legacy projects (those that are at least in their second year of existence) are marked with an asterisk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Our Current Projects for<\/div><\/div>Women’s Health<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Jasmin Ali, Alejandra Duque, and Cassie Leissner<\/h4><\/div>University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
\nThe Dr. Theresa Tran and Bill Carapucci Schweitzer Fellows, and The Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Project Match<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: MatCHresence
\nSite Mentor: LaSondra Keys, MSW; Academic Mentors: Kimberly Pilkinton, MD, MPH, FACOG, and Omolola Adepoju, PhD, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
Project Match aims to reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes among pregnant people of color in Houston by empowering them with knowledge and tools to achieve healthy pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods. This year, the program seeks to expand its reach by increasing participant numbers and establishing new community partnerships. <\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact jali@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>, aduque@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>, or cjculver@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Rachel Bates<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
Postpartum Education Program<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Baylor Scott and White Obstetrics
\nSite Mentor: Kayla Skala, MSN, RNC-OB, NEA-BC; Academic Mentor: Jessica Ehrig, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>
The Postpartum Education Program partners with the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center- Temple to provide childbirth classes for moms receiving Medicaid and WIC services. Bates aims to empower these women to take control of their postpartum journeys and persevere through the challenges of breastfeeding.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact rachel.bates@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Richa John, Shivanki Juneja, and Isha Parikh<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth McGovern Medical School<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Moms to Moms<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospitals
\nSite Mentors: Irene Stafford, MD and Efua Leke, MD, MPH; Academic Mentor: Sarah Conrad, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>
Juneja, Parikh, and John are addressing maternal health in Harris County, Houston, through a comprehensive program focused on prenatal and postpartum education to improve health literacy. This initiative, primarily based within the Harris Health System, serves underserved and vulnerable populations. The program aims to significantly and sustainably improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes by providing personalized education and resource referrals and creating general stand-alone resources.\u200b<\/p>\n
This project will be continued outside of the Fellowship as a student-led program.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sarah Rashdan<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine
\nHarris County Asset Forfeiture Fund Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>
Wellness at Angela House<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Angela House
\nSite Mentor: Sarah Mabry, LCDC-CI; Academic Mentor: Sarah-Ann Keyes, EdD, PA-C<\/p>\n<\/div>
Rashdan aims to improve health outcomes through sustainable lifestyle modifications. The program will incorporate physical activity, meditation, and nutrition education to improve perceived levels of stress, symptoms of depression, physical health status, and self-efficacy for nutrition.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact sarah.rashdan@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Our Current Projects for<\/div><\/div>Nutrition & Fitness<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Inaara Aly, Esther Jeong, and Megan Zachariah<\/h4><\/div>UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine, UTMB School of Public And Population Health<\/p>\n<\/div>
Grub Club<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Galveston Urban Ministries (GUM)
\nSite Mentor: Yvette Smith; Academic Mentors: Sagar Kamprath, MD, and Cara Pennel, DrPH, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
Grub Club is a dietary and lifestyle education program aimed at the youth of Galveston Urban Ministries and the Galveston Only Farmers Market. Through this program, the team aspires to address food insecurity and empower the local youth. By offering nutrition education, facilitating meal preparation sessions, and organizing activities that encourage long-term health, they hope to drive meaningful change. <\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact ibaly@utmb.edu<\/a>, eyjeong@utmb.edu<\/a>, or mazachar@utmb.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Mathew Mendoza<\/h4><\/div>University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
FitCuney Homes<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: FIT Houston
\nSite Mentor: Lharissa Jacobs, MBA; Academic Mentor: David Buck, MD, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
FitCuney Homes aims to illuminate and address the barriers and enablers to physical activity in Houston\u2019s oldest and largest federally subsidized housing complex, Cuney Homes. The project seeks to gather insights directly from residents and community stakeholders to inform and adapt physical activity interventions for a healthier and thriving Cuney Homes.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact mmendo31@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Brianna Miranda and Stephanie Trejo Corona<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
\nThe Sue Smith and Craig Brown Schweitzer Fellow, and The Robert Gondo and Jaewon Kang Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>
Segundo Harvest: Growing a Neighborhood Produce Program<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Finca Tres Robles
\nSite Mentor: Tiffany Valle, MA; Academic Mentors: Sister Rosanne Popp, MD, and Belinda Reininger, DrPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
Trejo Corona and Miranda aim to address food insecurity and chronic health disparities by facilitating access to fresh, locally sourced foods at no cost for low-income residents through a neighborhood produce program at Finca Tres Robles, a non-profit farm in Houston\u2019s historic East End. This project seeks to add and analyze health metrics and qualitative data to clarify programming impact, engage with the families served by providing nutritional knowledge, and demonstrate the impact of sustainable, community-based solutions aimed at optimizing health outcomes and reducing disparities.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact brianna.miranda@bcm.edu<\/a> or stephanie.trejocorona@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Purvi Desai and Reagan Isbell<\/h4><\/div>Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Nourish<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: YES Prep Fifth Ward
\nSite Mentor: Niekya Smith and Erin Groeteke, MEd; Academic Mentor: Prachi Priya, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>
Desai and Isbell are addressing adolescent nutrition at YES Prep Fifth Ward by teaching weekly after-school cooking classes. Nourish aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills to eat healthy at home, providing a stable and supportive environment for students to safely learn how to cook nutritious meals, grow their confidence, and inspire healthier food choices.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact purvi.desai@tamu.edu<\/a> or reagangi@tamu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
About Our Current Projects<\/h2><\/div>Most of these projects can be expanded by new Fellow applicants. Legacy projects (those that are at least in their second year of existence) are marked with an asterisk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Aging & Elderly Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Children & Adolescent Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Health of Individuals Living with Intellectual and Developmental Differences or Physical Disabilities<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Nutrition, Healthy Eating, & Exercise<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Refugee & Immigrant Health<\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Unhoused Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Vulnerable Communities<\/a> Health<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Women\u2019s Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span>About Our Current Projects<\/h2><\/div>Most of these projects can be expanded by new Fellow applicants. Legacy projects (those that are at least in their second year of existence) are marked with an asterisk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Our Current Projects for<\/div><\/div>Women’s Health<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Jasmin Ali, Alejandra Duque, and Cassie Leissner<\/h4><\/div>University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
\nThe Dr. Theresa Tran and Bill Carapucci Schweitzer Fellows, and The Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Project Match<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: MatCHresence
\nSite Mentor: LaSondra Keys, MSW; Academic Mentors: Kimberly Pilkinton, MD, MPH, FACOG, and Omolola Adepoju, PhD, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
Project Match aims to reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes among pregnant people of color in Houston by empowering them with knowledge and tools to achieve healthy pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods. This year, the program seeks to expand its reach by increasing participant numbers and establishing new community partnerships. <\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact jali@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>, aduque@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>, or cjculver@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Rachel Bates<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
Postpartum Education Program<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Baylor Scott and White Obstetrics
\nSite Mentor: Kayla Skala, MSN, RNC-OB, NEA-BC; Academic Mentor: Jessica Ehrig, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>
The Postpartum Education Program partners with the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center- Temple to provide childbirth classes for moms receiving Medicaid and WIC services. Bates aims to empower these women to take control of their postpartum journeys and persevere through the challenges of breastfeeding.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact rachel.bates@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Richa John, Shivanki Juneja, and Isha Parikh<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth McGovern Medical School<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Moms to Moms<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospitals
\nSite Mentors: Irene Stafford, MD and Efua Leke, MD, MPH; Academic Mentor: Sarah Conrad, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>
Juneja, Parikh, and John are addressing maternal health in Harris County, Houston, through a comprehensive program focused on prenatal and postpartum education to improve health literacy. This initiative, primarily based within the Harris Health System, serves underserved and vulnerable populations. The program aims to significantly and sustainably improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes by providing personalized education and resource referrals and creating general stand-alone resources.\u200b<\/p>\n
This project will be continued outside of the Fellowship as a student-led program.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sarah Rashdan<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine
\nHarris County Asset Forfeiture Fund Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>
Wellness at Angela House<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Angela House
\nSite Mentor: Sarah Mabry, LCDC-CI; Academic Mentor: Sarah-Ann Keyes, EdD, PA-C<\/p>\n<\/div>
Rashdan aims to improve health outcomes through sustainable lifestyle modifications. The program will incorporate physical activity, meditation, and nutrition education to improve perceived levels of stress, symptoms of depression, physical health status, and self-efficacy for nutrition.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact sarah.rashdan@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Our Current Projects for<\/div><\/div>Nutrition & Fitness<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Inaara Aly, Esther Jeong, and Megan Zachariah<\/h4><\/div>UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine, UTMB School of Public And Population Health<\/p>\n<\/div>
Grub Club<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Galveston Urban Ministries (GUM)
\nSite Mentor: Yvette Smith; Academic Mentors: Sagar Kamprath, MD, and Cara Pennel, DrPH, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
Grub Club is a dietary and lifestyle education program aimed at the youth of Galveston Urban Ministries and the Galveston Only Farmers Market. Through this program, the team aspires to address food insecurity and empower the local youth. By offering nutrition education, facilitating meal preparation sessions, and organizing activities that encourage long-term health, they hope to drive meaningful change. <\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact ibaly@utmb.edu<\/a>, eyjeong@utmb.edu<\/a>, or mazachar@utmb.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Mathew Mendoza<\/h4><\/div>University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
FitCuney Homes<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: FIT Houston
\nSite Mentor: Lharissa Jacobs, MBA; Academic Mentor: David Buck, MD, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
FitCuney Homes aims to illuminate and address the barriers and enablers to physical activity in Houston\u2019s oldest and largest federally subsidized housing complex, Cuney Homes. The project seeks to gather insights directly from residents and community stakeholders to inform and adapt physical activity interventions for a healthier and thriving Cuney Homes.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact mmendo31@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Brianna Miranda and Stephanie Trejo Corona<\/h4><\/div>Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
\nThe Sue Smith and Craig Brown Schweitzer Fellow, and The Robert Gondo and Jaewon Kang Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>
Segundo Harvest: Growing a Neighborhood Produce Program<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: Finca Tres Robles
\nSite Mentor: Tiffany Valle, MA; Academic Mentors: Sister Rosanne Popp, MD, and Belinda Reininger, DrPH<\/p>\n<\/div>
Trejo Corona and Miranda aim to address food insecurity and chronic health disparities by facilitating access to fresh, locally sourced foods at no cost for low-income residents through a neighborhood produce program at Finca Tres Robles, a non-profit farm in Houston\u2019s historic East End. This project seeks to add and analyze health metrics and qualitative data to clarify programming impact, engage with the families served by providing nutritional knowledge, and demonstrate the impact of sustainable, community-based solutions aimed at optimizing health outcomes and reducing disparities.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact brianna.miranda@bcm.edu<\/a> or stephanie.trejocorona@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Purvi Desai and Reagan Isbell<\/h4><\/div>Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Nourish<\/h3><\/div>Community Site: YES Prep Fifth Ward
\nSite Mentor: Niekya Smith and Erin Groeteke, MEd; Academic Mentor: Prachi Priya, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>
Desai and Isbell are addressing adolescent nutrition at YES Prep Fifth Ward by teaching weekly after-school cooking classes. Nourish aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills to eat healthy at home, providing a stable and supportive environment for students to safely learn how to cook nutritious meals, grow their confidence, and inspire healthier food choices.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact purvi.desai@tamu.edu<\/a> or reagangi@tamu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Most of these projects can be expanded by new Fellow applicants. Legacy projects (those that are at least in their second year of existence) are marked with an asterisk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Aging & Elderly Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
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Children & Adolescent Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
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Health of Individuals Living with Intellectual and Developmental Differences or Physical Disabilities<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Nutrition, Healthy Eating, & Exercise<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Refugee & Immigrant Health<\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
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Unhoused Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Vulnerable Communities<\/a> Health<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
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Women\u2019s Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span>About Our Current Projects<\/h2><\/div>
Most of these projects can be expanded by new Fellow applicants. Legacy projects (those that are at least in their second year of existence) are marked with an asterisk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Our Current Projects for<\/div><\/div>Women’s Health<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Jasmin Ali, Alejandra Duque, and Cassie Leissner<\/h4><\/div>
University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
\nThe Dr. Theresa Tran and Bill Carapucci Schweitzer Fellows, and The Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>*Project Match<\/h3><\/div>
Community Site: MatCHresence
\nSite Mentor: LaSondra Keys, MSW; Academic Mentors: Kimberly Pilkinton, MD, MPH, FACOG, and Omolola Adepoju, PhD, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>Project Match aims to reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes among pregnant people of color in Houston by empowering them with knowledge and tools to achieve healthy pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods. This year, the program seeks to expand its reach by increasing participant numbers and establishing new community partnerships. <\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact jali@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>, aduque@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>, or cjculver@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Rachel Bates<\/h4><\/div>
Baylor College of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
Postpartum Education Program<\/h3><\/div>
Community Site: Baylor Scott and White Obstetrics
\nSite Mentor: Kayla Skala, MSN, RNC-OB, NEA-BC; Academic Mentor: Jessica Ehrig, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>The Postpartum Education Program partners with the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center- Temple to provide childbirth classes for moms receiving Medicaid and WIC services. Bates aims to empower these women to take control of their postpartum journeys and persevere through the challenges of breastfeeding.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact rachel.bates@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Richa John, Shivanki Juneja, and Isha Parikh<\/h4><\/div>
Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth McGovern Medical School<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Moms to Moms<\/h3><\/div>
Community Site: Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospitals
\nSite Mentors: Irene Stafford, MD and Efua Leke, MD, MPH; Academic Mentor: Sarah Conrad, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>Juneja, Parikh, and John are addressing maternal health in Harris County, Houston, through a comprehensive program focused on prenatal and postpartum education to improve health literacy. This initiative, primarily based within the Harris Health System, serves underserved and vulnerable populations. The program aims to significantly and sustainably improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes by providing personalized education and resource referrals and creating general stand-alone resources.\u200b<\/p>\n
This project will be continued outside of the Fellowship as a student-led program.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sarah Rashdan<\/h4><\/div>
Baylor College of Medicine
\nHarris County Asset Forfeiture Fund Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>Wellness at Angela House<\/h3><\/div>
Community Site: Angela House
\nSite Mentor: Sarah Mabry, LCDC-CI; Academic Mentor: Sarah-Ann Keyes, EdD, PA-C<\/p>\n<\/div>Rashdan aims to improve health outcomes through sustainable lifestyle modifications. The program will incorporate physical activity, meditation, and nutrition education to improve perceived levels of stress, symptoms of depression, physical health status, and self-efficacy for nutrition.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact sarah.rashdan@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Our Current Projects for<\/div><\/div>Nutrition & Fitness<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Inaara Aly, Esther Jeong, and Megan Zachariah<\/h4><\/div>
UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine, UTMB School of Public And Population Health<\/p>\n<\/div>
Grub Club<\/h3><\/div>
Community Site: Galveston Urban Ministries (GUM)
\nSite Mentor: Yvette Smith; Academic Mentors: Sagar Kamprath, MD, and Cara Pennel, DrPH, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>Grub Club is a dietary and lifestyle education program aimed at the youth of Galveston Urban Ministries and the Galveston Only Farmers Market. Through this program, the team aspires to address food insecurity and empower the local youth. By offering nutrition education, facilitating meal preparation sessions, and organizing activities that encourage long-term health, they hope to drive meaningful change. <\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact ibaly@utmb.edu<\/a>, eyjeong@utmb.edu<\/a>, or mazachar@utmb.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Mathew Mendoza<\/h4><\/div>
University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
FitCuney Homes<\/h3><\/div>
Community Site: FIT Houston
\nSite Mentor: Lharissa Jacobs, MBA; Academic Mentor: David Buck, MD, MPH<\/p>\n<\/div>FitCuney Homes aims to illuminate and address the barriers and enablers to physical activity in Houston\u2019s oldest and largest federally subsidized housing complex, Cuney Homes. The project seeks to gather insights directly from residents and community stakeholders to inform and adapt physical activity interventions for a healthier and thriving Cuney Homes.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact mmendo31@cougarnet.uh.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Brianna Miranda and Stephanie Trejo Corona<\/h4><\/div>
Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
\nThe Sue Smith and Craig Brown Schweitzer Fellow, and The Robert Gondo and Jaewon Kang Schweitzer Fellow<\/p>\n<\/div>Segundo Harvest: Growing a Neighborhood Produce Program<\/h3><\/div>
Community Site: Finca Tres Robles
\nSite Mentor: Tiffany Valle, MA; Academic Mentors: Sister Rosanne Popp, MD, and Belinda Reininger, DrPH<\/p>\n<\/div>Trejo Corona and Miranda aim to address food insecurity and chronic health disparities by facilitating access to fresh, locally sourced foods at no cost for low-income residents through a neighborhood produce program at Finca Tres Robles, a non-profit farm in Houston\u2019s historic East End. This project seeks to add and analyze health metrics and qualitative data to clarify programming impact, engage with the families served by providing nutritional knowledge, and demonstrate the impact of sustainable, community-based solutions aimed at optimizing health outcomes and reducing disparities.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact brianna.miranda@bcm.edu<\/a> or stephanie.trejocorona@bcm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Purvi Desai and Reagan Isbell<\/h4><\/div>
Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div>
*Nourish<\/h3><\/div>
Community Site: YES Prep Fifth Ward
\nSite Mentor: Niekya Smith and Erin Groeteke, MEd; Academic Mentor: Prachi Priya, MD<\/p>\n<\/div>Desai and Isbell are addressing adolescent nutrition at YES Prep Fifth Ward by teaching weekly after-school cooking classes. Nourish aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills to eat healthy at home, providing a stable and supportive environment for students to safely learn how to cook nutritious meals, grow their confidence, and inspire healthier food choices.<\/p>\n
If interested in continuing\/expanding this project, please contact purvi.desai@tamu.edu<\/a> or reagangi@tamu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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