El Centro, at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, is proud to announce its first class of Summer Scholars.
The Summer Scholars program offers research opportunities for students interested in health disparities topics. The scholars will pursue research projects designed to improve the well-being of minority populations supported by a paid, eight-week internship. “El Centro was established to develop cutting-edge research leading to innovative intervention therapies that will impact the health of minority groups,” said Nilda Peragallo, DrPH, RN, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Studies. “We are pleased to provide research training to the next generation of professionals dedicated to reducing health disparities among minorities.” Three outstanding individuals at various stages in their education were chosen to take part in the program from schools and colleges throughout the University of Miami: Tainayah Thomas, a graduating senior in the College of Arts and Sciences with a double major in International Studies and Sociology; Emory Graham, a student in the Family Nurse Practitioner masters program at the School of Nursing and Health Studies; and Patrick Williams, an accomplished high school teacher and a doctoral student in the School of Educations Teaching and Learning Program. “The project for each scholar has been tailored to the individuals interests and level of experience,” said Professor Victoria Mitrani, PhD. “The El Centro research team is dedicated to mentoring emerging scientists and encouraging young people to pursue careers in health disparities research,” said Mitrani. El Centro was created for the purpose of advancing the scientific development and evaluation of culturally-specific interventions in a constellation of health conditions that disproportionately affect Hispanics. Its establishment will enable researchers to strengthen partnerships with the Miller School of Medicine and community organizations through multiyear studies targeting substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, family and intimate partner violence and co-occurring mental health conditions.
