April 03, 2024 | Hannah Wirth
Thirteen of the Community-Academic Scholars are either majoring in programs within the College of Applied Health Sciences, minoring in those programs or working with AHS faculty members.
The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, in partnership with the Center for Social and Behavioral Science and with support from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, is proud to introduce our 2023 Community-Academic Scholars! The 18 scholars in this cohort represent 18 majors and six minors in eight colleges and schools, encompassing a diverse array of fields of study, from community health to geography to economics.
Thirteen of the scholars are either majoring in programs within the College of Applied Health Sciences, minoring in those programs or working with AHS faculty members. Learn more about them and their projects below and at this webpage.
Afnaan Afsar Ali (she/her) is a sophomore studying community health with a concentration in health planning and administration, and minoring in business. She’ll be working with KCH Professor Wendy Rogers.
Ryiah Barnes (she/they) is a junior majoring in community health with a concentration in health education and promotion with plans to pursue a career in midwifery or gynecology.
Brianna Brice (she/her) is a junior on a nursing track minoring in public health with plans to become a nurse-midwife, eventually opening a community birthing center to combat racial disparities in maternal care.
Emma Darbro (she/her) is a sophomore studying brain and cognitive science with a double minor in gender and women’s studies and public health.
Stella Emezue (she/her) is a junior majoring in interdisciplinary health sciences with plans to become an OBGYN and open clinics in underserved communities.
Isabelle Gawedzki (they/them) is a sophomore majoring in integrative biology. They will be working with KCH Assistant Prof. Hyojung Kang.
Norman A. Hernandez II (he/him) is a junior majoring in kinesiology and minoring in public health with plans for a career in public health. He’ll be working with KCH Associate Professor Andiara Schwingel.
Kaylee Janakos (she/her) is a junior majoring in information sciences with a double minor in psychology and health technology. She’ll be working on the project with Isabelle Gawedzki and Professor Kang.
Alena (Allie) Kormos (she/her) is a senior majoring in community health with a passion to increase equitable health services and educational opportunities for fellow immigrants, children, and low-SES families, as well as improving maternal-infant health outcomes. She’ll be working with KCH Associate Professor Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo.
Zara Lateef (she/her) is a James Scholar and sophomore majoring in computer science + chemistry with plans to become a doctor advocating for community health and social justice and researching medical advancements. She’ll be working with KCH Associate Professor Laura Rice.
Julian Martinez (he/him) is a sophomore majoring in natural resources and environmental sciences. He’ll be working with RST Assistant Professor Sharon Zou.
Adam Syed (he/him) is a sophomore majoring in food science and human nutrition with a concentration in and minoring in Spanish with a passion for building opportunities and uplifting communities. He’ll be working with KCH Professor Wendy Rogers.
Leyna Tran (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in speech and hearing science with plans for a career in policy analysis or population data. She’ll be working with SHS Associate Professor Raksha Mudar.
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