The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Antiracism (IDEA) Fellows at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health (DSPH) lead and support efforts at the School to promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism. These fellowships were created by the School on the advice of students as part of our ongoing Action Plan to Enhance Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Anti-Racism.

IDEA Fellows are current DSPH undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students who share an interest in diversity and social justice programming and education, as well as a desire to encourage dialogue among Dornsife and Drexel University community members.

Fellows work closely with an assistant dean, associate dean, or faculty member to develop, implement, or evaluate DSPH initiatives based on their chosen area of emphasis. Fellows receive a stipend to work 10 hours per week for the position, which usually runs from October to June.

The 2024-25 academic year is Dornsife's fifth year for the IDEA Fellows program, with the largest cohort to date.

To learn more about the IDEA projects, visit Dornsife DASH, the student intranet.

Meet the 2024-2025 IDEA Fellows

Shadan Alghamdi

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Program: PhD, Biostatistics

IDEA Project: Dornsife's Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB)

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its clear commitment to health equity and its emphasis on health as a fundamental human right. With my background in biostatistics and experience in data analysis for health research, I was drawn to Drexel’s focus on actionable, community-centered public health solutions. The Dornsife school’s dedication to research, advocacy, and fostering an inclusive academic environment resonates deeply with my professional and personal values.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA Fellow, I am committed to using my research skills to actively support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within academia. Leveraging my background in biostatistics, I aim to contribute to our Antiracism Action Plan by developing resources that create a more welcoming and supportive environment for marginalized communities, working with a team of passionate fellows and mentors. My goal is to use the experience I have in biostatistics degree to identify and address disparities that affect marginalized groups, helping shape evidence-based interventions that promote diversity and inclusion at Drexel.

Bitanya Ayalew

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Program: BS, Public Health

IDEA Project: Scoping Review of Digital Interventions for Suicide Prevention and Depression Among Black Youth, with an Added Focus on Visual and Engaging Dissemination

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife for its commitment to advancing health equity and fostering a learning environment that emphasizes the intersection of race, gender, and socioeconomic status on public health outcomes. The school’s focus on community health and the diverse, hands-on opportunities it provides align perfectly with my passion for understanding and addressing systemic health disparities, especially in underrepresented populations. Dornsife’s innovative approaches, dedicated mentorship, and focus on both research and practical application equip students with the tools needed to create meaningful change, which is exactly what I seek in my public health journey.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA Fellow, my goal is to bridge the gap between academia and the communities impacted by health disparities. I aim to contribute to inclusive research that amplifies marginalized voices, particularly focusing on mental health and culturally relevant interventions. I hope to foster a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but drive the development of sustainable public health solutions. I’m committed to promoting collaboration and leveraging my experience in youth mental health advocacy to build initiatives that ensure every student and community member feels represented and empowered.

Devani Baraiya

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

IDEA Project: The project, An Audit of Community Engagement Scholarship at Dornsife, is centered on assessing Dornsife’s existing partnerships to pinpoint areas for growth, especially with local communities not yet engaged. This audit goes beyond a simple inventory—it serves as a strategic tool to improve how we track and encourage community-engaged scholarship. Under Dr. Jan Eberth’s guidance, I’ll learn best practices for maintaining these partnerships and increasing their positive impact on public health. The insights we gather will support Dornsife’s strategic planning, ensuring that our community engagement is inclusive, meaningful, and beneficial to all involved.

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose to join Dornsife because of its inspiring faculty, the range of interesting subjects, and the valuable hands-on experiences offered in the MPH program. The opportunity to work closely with dedicated professors and participate in practical programs like the Applied Practical Experience (APE) and Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) initially attracted me to Drexel. These experiences let students put what they’ve learned in the classroom into real-world action, which is essential to my career goals. Dornsife’s focus on social justice and health equity also aligns strongly with my commitment to promoting public health in diverse communities.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA Fellow, I’m excited to build on my background in physical therapy and my experience working with diverse communities. I hope to bring these perspectives into community-engaged scholarship, which blends clinical insights with public health approaches. Through this fellowship, I aim to deepen my understanding of how to create, evaluate, and strengthen partnerships that truly benefit both the university and the community. I’m also eager to learn more about effective ways to track and incentivize these collaborations, supporting lasting community well-being and guiding strategic planning efforts. My vision is to help develop partnerships that are not only stronger but also more inclusive, benefiting both academia and the communities we serve.

Amber Bolli

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Program: 12-month MPH in Epidemiology

IDEA Project: Health and Place: Mapping Social Determinants and Health Inequalities by City Council District in Philadelphia

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of the co-op experiences I had at Drexel during my undergrad. During those experiences, I recognized my passion for Public Health and was able to give back to my hometown through them. They were invaluable to me for both my personal, academic and professional goals. When it came time to apply to graduate school, I already knew I was going to come back to Drexel to continue my education.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: My fellowship builds on W.E.B. Du Bois' work by examining the various factors that influence health and mapping them across Philadelphia. As a native of the city, I am deeply committed to using data-driven insights to inform policy interventions that benefit local communities. The goal of this project is to produce actionable recommendations that help inform city leaders to address health disparities within the city through place-based solutions.

Olivia Cordingley

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Kingston, Massachusetts
Program: PhD, Community Health and Prevention

IDEA Project: Measures of structural stigmatization and discrimination for HIV research with Latine sexual and gender minorities

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife for my PhD because I'm passionate about community-based research and want to grow as an equity-focused researcher. Dornsife’s commitment to community partnerships, and Drexel's status as an R1 research university, made me feel confident I'd have the support, resources, and opportunities to build my skills.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: My goal is to contribute to the development of meaningful, validated measures of structural stigma and discrimination that can deepen our understanding of how these issues impact health outcomes and inform more effective, equity-focused interventions. I look forward to building my skills in conducting systematic reviews and learning new approaches to measuring and analyzing structural discrimination.

Pravallika Shanthi Jagan

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Telangana, India
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

IDEA Project: Inclusion Innovators

Why I chose Dornsife: Given Dornsife’s reputation as the number one Public Health School in Philadelphia, I believed that it would open a world of opportunities to me. It’s commitment to inclusivity and innovative public health initiatives make Dornsife stand out, which has attracted me. The diverse and hands-on learning opportunities provide a head start into the world of public health, such as the IDEA fellowship. The strong research and academic program complements my ambitious nature, while excellent faculty members provide essential guidance. The interdisciplinary approach embedded in the curriculum and a supportive alumni network ensures meaningful collaborations, and I aspire to make the most out of these exceptional resources to lay a strong foundation to my career.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As a part of the Inclusion Innovators team, I would be working towards making Dornsife a more inclusive place to people with disabilities. This project is unique in including multiple types of disabilities like physical, mental, sensory, neurodivergent, congenital and chronic illnesses amongst others, and transcending stereotypes. While the goal is progressive, I hope to eventually make a positive difference to people with disabilities, and make Dornsife better equipped by providing appropriate resources. To achieve this, I will be working with Cindy Ngo, starting with assessing the current inclusivity status of our school, and actively striving towards better strategies.

Samantha Kargbo

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

IDEA Project: Supporting Black Maternal Health Equity through Black-led Community Based Organizations

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its strong commitment to advancing health as a human right and its focus on translating knowledge into actionable solutions to improve population health and eliminate health disparities. The school’s emphasis on building sustainable and equitable community partnerships aligns with my own values of service to local communities and driving systemic change for the greater good. I was also drawn to Dornsife’s unique opportunity to engage with and learn from faculty who bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and interests, further enriching the academic experience.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: My primary goal for this fellowship is to strengthen my research and community engagement skills in public health, while also contributing to the capacity building of Black-led, community-based organizations focused on maternal health in Philadelphia.

Colebe Oliver

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Glenside, PA
Program: MPH, Health Management and Policy

IDEA Project: My project focuses on supporting the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) under the mentorship of Renee’ Moore, Jordan Wilson, and Reina Lopez. I will work to advance DEIB-related initiatives, assist with programming, and evaluate efforts to enhance equity and inclusion at Dornsife. This opportunity allows me to make a meaningful impact while developing skills to tackle systemic inequities in public health.

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose the Dornsife School of Public Health because of its strong commitment to health equity and its mission to address systemic and structural factors impacting community health. The emphasis on inclusion and anti-racism aligns perfectly with my values and professional goals.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA Fellow, my goals include advancing initiatives that foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging within the Dornsife community. I hope to learn strategies to effectively promote DEIB principles in academic and professional settings, strengthen my leadership skills, and contribute to creating a supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty alike.

Renyztabelle Ortega-Cotto

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

IDEA Project: Working with the Epi/Bio DEI Committee

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife for its supportive and collaborative environment, built by peers, professors, and mentors. Located in Philadelphia, Dornsife offers opportunities for practical learning and fieldwork in a diverse, real-world setting. 

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: My goal for this fellowship is to strengthen my community engagement skills by fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism within the EPI/BIO department. My goal is to enhance the Epi/Bio department's current initiatives by using resources, analyzing data to identify DEA improvements, and help build a stronger community. This fellowship aligns with my passion for promoting equitable practices in both the academic and professional setting.

Anna Simpson

Pronouns: they/them
Hometown: Frankfort, Kentucky
Program: PhD, Epidemiology

IDEA Project: A Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study of GANAS: a Transformative Masculinities Intervention to Increase Social Connectedness and Reduce Stress in Latino Men

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of the school's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is exemplified in coursework and research that has broader implications for local communities, the nation, and the world. I found my interests in social determinants of health, intersectionality, and health disparities were well-represented in research being conducted at the school.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA Fellow, I am working with Dr. Luis Valdez, whose work utilizes community-led mixed methods projects to better understand the impact of structural and social systems that perpetuate health inequity. My goals for the fellowship include learning how an intersectional lens and community-engaged methods can be leveraged to advance the health of minoritized communities and how gender expression and identity shape health behaviors and outcomes.

Janel Rodriguez

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Program: BA, Global Public Health

IDEA Project: As part of the Illuminating and Addressing Structural Racism in the Healthcare Industry: Building the Field from the Ground Up, otherwise known as the ISR Project, I will be traveling with the team to Jackson, Mississippi to learn about how our partner organization, Southern Echo, is uplifting Black communities there. Over the summer, during the time when my IDEA fellowship was inactive, I was a research assistant for the center and conducted a landscape analysis of Jackson and the Delta region. My goal for this year’s IDEA Fellow project is to combine both my knowledge from the media with information from the community there to document health inequities in Jackson, Mississippi.

Why I chose Dornsife: On top of Dornsife being the #1 School of Public Health in Philadelphia, I chose Dornsife because of its strong commitment to human-centered research and activism. As someone interested in pediatrics, I knew that public health was the field for me due to its emphasis on broader social and environmental factors past the clinical environment. So, I searched for a school that aligned with my own core values in supporting marginalized communities and made sure to look for research opportunities that incorporated meaningful, hands-on experience.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: I plan to work alongside The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity once again this year! As an IDEA Fellow, I am going to support and be supported by the Ubuntu Center through the ISR Project, learning about the process of project management and project building from start to finish. Moreover, every month the IDEA Fellows come together to learn from those in the field, whether they are on the research end and/or are on the ground learning from community members. This year, my goal is to gain more insight from those monthly meetings and create connections within the ecosystem of Dornsife.

Victoria Rodríguez Villarreal

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico
Program: BS in Public Health, double minoring in Social Entrepreneurship and Climate Change

IDEA Project: Building the Health Case for Reparations in Philadelphia

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its mission to advance health as a human right and its commitment to addressing systemic inequities through engaged, community-centered research. Dornsife’s values resonate with my passion for social justice and my goal to address environmental and health disparities, particularly within historically excluded and frontline communities disproportionately impacted by these inequities.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA Fellow, I aim to build a strong foundation in participatory action research and policy advocacy. I am excited to contribute to a project that directly addresses historical inequities by creating a case for reparations through the lens of health equity and justice. Through this fellowship, I aim to deepen my research, community collaboration, and policy development skills—essential tools that will empower me to continue championing environmental and social justice, advocating for impactful, equitable change, and decolonizing systems perpetuating harm. I am committed to centering the voices and lived experiences of the communities we work with and ensuring their needs and knowledge guide the work.

Sris Wilfred

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Robbinsville, NJ
Program: BS/MPH, Public Health and Healthcare Services Administration

IDEA Project: Dornsife Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB)

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University for its commitment to health as a human right and its strong emphasis on urban health and social justice. Drexel’s location in Philadelphia allows me to work closely with underserved communities, making a tangible impact through hands-on experiences. Additionally, the school’s focus on interdisciplinary research and its diverse, supportive community make it the ideal place to deepen my understanding of public health while advancing equity and inclusion.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: In my fellowship with the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, I aim to foster a more inclusive environment that empowers underrepresented students and promotes equity in all public health education and practice areas. I aim to create initiatives that support belonging and address systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. Through this role, I strive to amplify diverse voices and contribute to meaningful, sustainable change within Drexel and the broader public health landscape.

2023-2024 IDEA Fellows

Edmond Appiah

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Kumasi, Ghana
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

IDEA Project: Drexel Initiative to Transform Academia for Equity

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose to pursue a career in public health because I am deeply passionate about making a positive impact on the health and well-being of communities. Additionally, I am drawn to the public health program at Dornsife because of its focus on prevention and population-level interventions. By addressing underlying determinants of health and implementing preventive measures, public health initiatives have the potential to reduce the burden of disease, improve health outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA fellow, I am committed to expanding my knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion of best practices and evidence-based interventions. I intend to explore a wide range of resources to learn about effective strategies for fostering belonging, dismantling bias, and promoting equitable opportunities for all individuals.

Natalie Correa

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Linden, NJ
Program: MD/MPH, Community Health and Prevention

IDEA Project: Philly Joy Bank

Why I chose Dornsife: I decided to pursue a Public Health Masters in Community Health and Prevention at Dornsife to supplement my medical degree and integrate a population-level perspective into my future clinical practice. The school’s value of health as a human right resonates with my goals of patient and community advocacy, providing care to marginalized populations, and working towards health equity. I chose Dornsife because it would provide me with the opportunities to learn the research, communication, and critical thinking skills needed for this work.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As a member of the Philly Joy Bank team, I look forward to expanding my research skills by learning how to implement and evaluate community-centered research that works toward addressing inequities and reducing health disparities. As a member of this year’s IDEA Fellowship cohort, my goal is to collaborate with colleagues to develop tools to ensure the continued prioritization of equity and anti-racism in both the Drexel community and my future work.

Maleah-Rose Eusebio

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Waipahu, HI
Program: BS/MPH, Environmental and Occupational Health

IDEA Project: Measuring Inclusion & Belonging

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose to continue my public health education as a master’s student at Dornsife, as I greatly admire the passion that the faculty and staff have for public health and the school’s dedication to community engagement. My education at Dornsife has emphasized an equity and justice perspective in public health, which aligns with my personal beliefs and has shaped my research interests. I am grateful for the opportunities that Dornsife has provided me, such as this fellowship, to participate in and support diversity and equity efforts.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA Fellow, I hope to broaden my research skills in public health, such as fielding surveys and monitoring and analyzing data. With the Measuring Inclusiveness and Belonging project, I am excited to learn more about these feelings throughout the Dornsife community, as this has personally been a welcoming space for me that has promoted inclusion and community. I hope that this project will be very informative for the Dornsife community and propose solutions to promote and enhance inclusivity.

Bharath Gowda

Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Karnataka, India
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

IDEA Project: Antiracism Efforts in Applied Practical Experience

Why I chose Dornsife: As an international student, I was drawn to the kind of opportunities at Dornsife because of its programs in real world applications and its excellent reputation. I chose Dornsife as I found my interests well-represented, and the challenging curriculum aligns perfectly with my career goals. I believe it provides the right kind of environment as it offers numerous opportunities in networking, practical training, and research. Its rich array of experienced professionals and smartly designed programs will help prepare me for the future in the best way possible.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As somebody coming from a rich diverse background, I understand the need for representation and accommodation for building a healthy community. I aim to understand the shortcomings that exist in the community and come up with tailored solutions for the same. I’m looking forward to the practical training experience which will help me understand the intricacies better and expand our school’s efforts to promote inclusion and eradicate discrimination. I’m excited to engage with a diverse set of fellows and mentors, exchange ideas and collaborate on projects that will bring about transformative change.

Marie Owino

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

IDEA Project: Drexel Initiative to Transform Academia for Equity (DITAE)

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of the school’s foundation being healthcare as a human right, and their commitment to pursuing this on the local-to-global scale. I am passionate about achieving global health equity, and Dornsife provides a wealth of opportunities to be a part of this change by facilitating educational and professional relationships with global-minded public health students and faculty members.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA DITAE fellow I will be working closely with Dr. Renee Moore, the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, in support of Dornsife’s Antiracism Action Plan. My goal during this fellowship is to collaborate with students, faculty and staff to ensure that not only is Dornsife in keeping with its proposed antiracism efforts, but it is also continuously assessing and advancing these efforts in accordance with the needs of sexual, gender, and ethnic minorities at the school.

Janel Rodriguez

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Program: BA, Global Public Health

IDEA Project: The Ubuntu Center

Why I chose Dornsife: Being the #1 School of Public Health in Philadelphia, Dornsife has allowed me to hone in on my own public health interests in maternal and child health and given me the opportunity to not only learn in the classroom but on the field as well. With its dynamic curriculum and experiential learning, I have been provided so many opportunities to apply my own lived experience and current education to serve local communities. I chose Dornsife because of their strong focus on human-centered design to help global communities thrive as well as their strong commitment towards health as a human right.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA Fellow, I plan to work with The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements and Population Health Equity on their annual teach-ins, global series and my own personal project. The Ubuntu Center is a community of strong, forward-thinkers that I am so happy to support and be supported by. As such, I plan to do my best in taking initiative for the Center’s projects as well as taking the time to absorb and learn from my mentors in their process of public health research and project management.

Bukiwe Sihlongonyane

Pronouns: she/hers
Hometown: Mbabane, eSwatini
Program: PhD in Community Health and Prevention

IDEA Project: The Ubuntu Center

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its strong portfolio of global health projects and the network of diverse researchers doing work in the topics and geographic regions I'm interested in. It was also important for me to choose a school with a clear and demonstrated commitment to health equity and justice, and at Dornsife, these ideas are not just vague stated goals but they are baked into everything that goes on at the school.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow:  As a Summer 2024 IDEA Fellow, my goals will take shape as my Fellowship get closer.

Miliani Smith

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Program: BS, Public Health (minor in Medical Sociology)

IDEA Project: Community Health and Prevention Department's Diversity & Racial Justice Committee

Why I chose Dornsife: During the college process, I sought to unite my passion for STEM, humanities, and social justice. Upon discovering Dornsife, I was excited to find a community committed to viewing health as a human right and understanding the crucial link between social justice and health. The well-thought-out curriculum and courses promised critical thinking, further solidifying my decision. Additionally, Dornsife's extensive opportunities, from community engagement to research to co-op experiences, would enable me to explore different sectors of the public health industry. Lastly, I wanted to be in a place with extremely accomplished faculty, just like Dornsife, who could offer firsthand experiences in the classroom and later expand my professional network.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA fellow for the Department of Community Health and Prevention, collaborating closely with the Diversity and Racial Justice Committee, my primary objective is to advocate for forward and inclusive thinking. I intend to develop an evaluation plan to assess the effectiveness of diversity initiatives across the School of Public Health. My aim is to provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance diversity efforts through an evaluation and integration of initiatives that create a sense of community. Personally, leveraging Dornsife's IDEA Fellowship, I aspire to gain health research experience and connections with the institution's faculty, helping to pave my path within this field.

Shreena Sukhadia

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: East Windsor, NJ
Program: BS, Public Health

IDEA Project: Inclusion Innovators

Why I chose Dornsife: I was drawn to Dornsife because of the vast level of opportunities the school provides to ensure that students are getting a high level of education, with different approaches that suit the needs of an individual. The programs and classes make it enjoyable for me to attend classes every day and put in effort to further my knowledge. Focusing on the importance that race, gender, and nationality have on a community’s health, Dornsife strives to ensure that future public health officials get the knowledge they need to make an impact on reaching equality.

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: As an IDEA Fellow, I strive to create a stronger relationship between the school and the student body by focusing on the idea of diversity and inclusion. It is important to me that my classmates feel welcome, valued, and cared for, especially in regards to expressing themselves and their cultures and religions. I hope to make a difference during my time in this fellowship by finding ways to ensure that students feel seen and heard.

Kaylee Wilson

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Rock Springs, Wyoming
Program: BA Sociology & Global Public Health

IDEA Project: Advancing Intersectional Discrimination Measures for Health Disparities Research

Why I chose Dornsife: I found my love for Public Health during my first year of undergrad here at Drexel, learning about medical sociology and health equity. Doing research that has immediate impact in the lives of our Philadelphia community and beyond has been very fulfilling for me and has led me to continue pursuing Public Health moving forward!

Goals as an IDEA Fellow: My goals as an IDEA Fellow are to continue to familiarize myself with research methods in the context of health equity, and contribute significantly to the project overall through bilingual recruitment, analysis, and everything in between.

2022-23 IDEA Fellows

Asha-Leigh Ashton

Pronoun(s): she/her
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Program: MPH, Environmental and Occupational Health

Why I chose Dornsife: Ultimately, I chose Dornsife because the curriculum and courses in the MPH Environmental and Occupational Health program align perfectly with my career goals. The program facilitates learning from, and working closely with, faculty members who are experts within their respective fields. Students are well supported in gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Dornsife’s commitment to health equity and their focused efforts within the Philadelphia community is another ground that cemented my decision. With the promotion of inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism as key tenants of the program; at Dornsife, no one is left out or made to feel less than.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: My fellowship focuses on the advancement and support of the Research theme of the Antiracism Action Plan (AAP). I will be working closely with the Associate Dean for Research, on the idea of 'Conducting research through an anti-racism lens.' My goal as an IDEA Fellow is to help equip Dornsife students, staff, and faculty with essential anti-racism research tools.

Lisa Frueh, MPH

Pronoun(s): they/them/theirs
Hometown: Portland, OR
Program: PhD, Environmental and Occupational Health

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of the school’s emphasis on health equity and social justice, and because I found my interests well-represented in the present research at the school.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: Beyond my own research interests, I’m motivated by efforts to democratize the population health sciences. One way to do that is to share, in plain language, our analytic tools, methods, and findings. During summer 2023, I will be working with project lead Dr. Gina Lovasi to develop an online resource of racial segregation and spatial polarization measures for research and practice. We know that segregation is detrimental to physical and mental health, but methods to operationalize segregation can be complex. The goal of this project is to generate a living repository with available measures of segregation along with instructions, code, and examples.

Rashmeet Kaur

Pronoun(s): she/her/hers
Hometown: Breslau, ON
Program: 12-month MPH with a concentration in Community Health and Prevention

Why I chose Dornsife: As a future public health scholar, I hope to work alongside communities to understand, address, and abolish health disparities. Therefore, I chose to pursue my Master of Public Health degree at Dornsife because I was drawn to the school's close and meaningful connections with the community. I strongly believe that the MPH program at Dornsife will uniquely prepare me to work with underserved communities to promote health equity initiatives and create a sustainable future.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: As a child of immigrants and a woman of color with experiences living in both rural and urban communities, I am motivated to create accessible experiences for others. Therefore, I look forward to working with staff, faculty, and my peers at Dornsife as an IDEA Fellow to implement the Action Plan to Enhance Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Anti-Racism. I am especially looking forward to working as an IDEA Fellow at The Ubuntu Center.

Anil Kumar

Pronoun(s): he/him/his
Hometown: Haryana, India
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

Why I chose Dornsife: I was initially drawn to Dornsife because of the faculty's experience and excellent reputation. Understanding health inequities linked to cardiovascular health is one of my main objectives. I was eager to engage with the Urban Health Collaborative because their research complements my interests. The rigorous curriculum at the school pushes students while preparing them for life in the fast-paced world of today. I am confident that earning my MPH from Dornsife under the guidance of eminent experts would place me at the center of my research goals.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: Understanding academic governance and the associated tenure and promotion processes for faculty is my main objective as an IDEA fellow. I'm interested in finding out how tenure and promotion procedures take into account diversity and inclusion initiatives. The goal of our project is to discover how the "invisible labor" of faculty, which frequently goes unrecognized might be utilized to make the tenure and promotion assessment holistic.

Sumbul Murtaza

Pronoun(s): she/her/hers
Home country: Pakistan and United Arab Emirates
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

Why I chose Dornsife: Drexel is home to one of the best public health programs in the country. It was an easy decision to choose Dornsife. What really attracted me to the program was the opportunity to learn and excel in a wide variety of courses and skillsets, and the school’s emphasis on real-life practical experiences in public health. Dornsife works to promote health equity and I am honored to be a part.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: Very few programs can boldly claim to both acknowledge and tackle racism in academia. I aim to play an active role in promoting academic success of diverse scholars and dismantling racism in the world of health and education. I hope that this fellowship works toward eliminating health inequities in our society and set the framework for future projects looking to transform academia for all.

Deiriai Myers

Pronoun(s): she/her
Home country: St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

Why I chose Dornsife: I was excited to choose Dornsife to pursue my MPH mainly because of the school’s commitment to health as a human right. I was further inspired by the school’s regular collaboration and engagement with community organizations. The diverse academic backgrounds of faculty members offer an opportunity to continue expanding my knowledge in public health and increase my professional network in this field.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: I will be working within a research team, led by Dr. Gina Lovasi, and we will be responding to the need for a shared resource for neighborhood measurements. Specifically, I will be drafting an online tool to guide researchers and other public health professionals on the use of metrics for racial segregation and spatial social polarization. I look forward to learning more about these measurements of social determinants of health as we in public health continue to work on eliminating health disparities across different socioeconomic groups.

Vidya Patil

Pronoun(s): she/her/hers
Hometown: Maharashtra, India
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

Why I chose Dornsife: Dornsife School of Public Health provides an equal opportunity to all students despite of their nationality, gender, and color, which inspires me to be a part of this program. The renowned staff committee at DSPH is one of the major reasons to choose Drexel. Drexel has an excellent academic reputation and degree program that is designed in such a way that it will help students to cultivate into public health professionals that would make an impact and tackle upcoming public health challenges in the United States and around the world.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: The IDEA fellowship has provided me with an opportunity to connect with the entire DSPH faculty and be a part of interdisciplinary research. Being an International student, I truly understand and feel the meaning of Inclusiveness. My goal in this fellowship work is to inculcate various aspects of Inclusiveness and Antiracism policies that would benefit the DSPH community. I feel honoured to be mentored by Dr. Moore and Dr. Bellamy in our research project.

Janel Rodriguez

Pronoun(s): she/her
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Program: BA, Global Public Health

Why I chose Dornsife: Dornsife provides an interdisciplinary approach to public health with a focus on hands-on experiential learning that I have always been searching for. I can’t stay in a classroom or a zoom call all day, I need to be on the ground creating, researching, and applying this knowledge to real-world experiences. I chose Dornsife for its forward-thinking curriculum and strong commitment to health equity and health as a human right.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: I plan to work with The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity to accelerate the center’s goals of antiracist solutions and health equity for all. Analyzing systemic racism and health inequity through storytelling is one of my main research interests. To put this theory into practice, I intend to use Dornsife’s IDEA Fellowship opportunity to gain health research experience and connect with the diverse and knowledgeable faculty that Dornsife has to offer.

2021-22 IDEA Fellows

Demi Adefarati

Pronoun(s): she/her/hers
Hometown: Collegeville, PA
Program: MPH, Health Management and Policy (minor in Maternal Child Health)

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because it is the best program within the Southeastern, PA, area. Furthermore, I was immediately drawn to the research efforts of many Dornsife faculty members. So far, the decision has been great. I have had the opportunity to engage with staff and faculty members one-on-one despite the proliferation of COVID-19. Furthermore, I have been able to begin attaining my 2020-2021 goals, helping improve the health outcomes of individuals living within Philadelphia and its surrounding communities.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: I want to continue helping support the IDEA work of Dornsife staff and faculty members through student engagement, community involvement, and partnering with specific Drexel Centers. Additionally, I want to expand upon my current ILE work focusing on marginalized populations within maternal child health in Philadelphia. Overall, I look forward to using my Fellowship position to continue sparking necessary conversations focused on racial and ethnic equity within public health and other related disciplines.

Aryana Simpson

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife School of Public Health not only due to its notable reputation but because it offers numerous professional, networking, and volunteer opportunities. Throughout the Dornsife school itself, as well as through the Philadelphia community. Dornsife faculty are experienced professionals, who are passionate about public health, and conduct research in my areas of interest including; urban health, mental health, and health disparities.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: My goal as an IDEA Fellow is to create a more inclusive environment for students and faculty of color. This includes continuing the work to increase institutional support measures, representation of the work and achievements of students and faculty of color. In addition to working alongside the other IDEA Fellows to implement all components of the IDEA school-wide action plan.

Cecirahim Sesay

Pronoun(s): she/her/hers
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because the mission of the school was aligned with my own. This school has established relationships with local organizations and a strong culture of giving back to its community. Additionally, the vigorous curriculum and noteworthy faculty, along with the abundance of opportunities for career growth, make Dornsife the best school for me to establish my goals as a public health professional.

Goals as an IDEA fellow: My main focus is to improve diversity and inclusion in academia and research. I would like to contribute to the improvement of ethical research practices and transformative approaches that seek to benefit the population being studied. I would also like to help in the diversification of faculty and resources at Dornsife, through involvement in the hiring and vetting process, so that the University’s goal of inclusivity and anti-racism is achieved.

2020-21 IDEA Fellows

Read about the highlights and successes of our very first cohort in Reflecting on Dornsife’s Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Anti-Racism.

Demi Adefarati

Pronoun(s): she/her/hers
Hometown: Collegeville, PA
Program: MPH, Health Management and Policy

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife due to its location within Philadelphia. Growing up in Southeastern PA, I have a vested interest in the health outcomes of individuals living within Philadelphia, and its surrounding communities.

Focus as an IDEA fellow: My areas of focus are centered on increasing institutional support measures for Black students and other students of color within Dornsife. Some of these measures include career building resources & tools, strengthening interpersonal connections through different initiatives, leadership engagement opportunities, and highlighting different research & project efforts conducted by students of color.

Patrice Farquharson

Pronoun(s): she/her/hers
Hometown: Moorestown, NJ
Program: MPH, Community Health and Prevention

Why I chose Dornsife: While looking at public health programs in the Philadelphia area, it was Dornsife’s reputation that initially caught my attention. I wanted to attend a school that would allow me to learn more about what impacts health outcomes and fuels health disparities. After meeting with the previous director of admissions, I realized Dornsife would be a good place for me to get my degree compared to other programs in the area. Working with faculty, students and staff has only solidified this after I started the program and in recently completing it.

Focus as an IDEA fellow: I am learning that I have a passion for evidence-based research. Entering into this fellowship I was on a team that crafted and disseminated the climate survey at Dornsife. Currently, I am working on the planning and development of the Center on Racism and Health. Also, I am working with the other fellows on the departmental and school-wide efforts around IDEA initiatives.

Maya Stallings

Pronoun(s): she/her
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Program: MPH, Epidemiology

Why I chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because I wanted to stay in Philadelphia and remain connected to the work I started in AmeriCorps, where I have had the opportunity to build partnerships with many community leaders who have done amazing work in the lives of the students and families in Philadelphia. Dornsife has the unique position of training the next generation of public health leaders while having deep roots in the community.

Focus as an IDEA fellow: My focus during this fellowship will be on course restructuring and curriculum and on the hiring processes of faculty.

Laneisha (Laney) Sullivan

Pronoun(s): she/her/hers
Hometown: Paterson, NJ
Program: MPH, Health Management and Policy

Why I chose Dornsife: As a Drexel alumna, I’m well aware of the opportunities and networking connections this university has to offer. I chose to continue my graduate studies at Drexel with the Dornsife School of Public Health because the program holds national weight. Faculty members are comprised of some of Philadelphia’s most influential professionals with solid backgrounds in my areas of interest such as clinical health, policy, and health management. Furthermore, faculty and administration actively listen and dedicate time and resources to meet the needs of students, hence my position on this IDEA team. For me, it was important for me to choose a program where I felt my voice would be heard as well as my academic needs met.

Focus as an IDEA fellow: For my fellowship, I will focus my efforts on the hiring processes of faculty and providing faculty support/resources. Working alongside my dedicated team, we strive to support its 2020 anti-racism action plan. Our efforts will further expand our school’s endeavors in promoting a strong sense of culture, diversity, inclusion, and equity in all current and future academic/extra-curricular activities.

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