Introducing the 2024 Community-Academic Scholars

The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, with support from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, is proud to introduce our 2024 Community-Academic Scholars! Representing 18 majors and minors in seven colleges and schools, the 17 scholars in this cohort encompass a diverse array of fields of study, from community health to education to industrial design.

This cohort of scholars was selected from a competitive pool of applicants possessing the skills needed to work on their selected projects, their personal connections to and passion for the issues their projects address, and for the many ways they have already made an impact on campus and in the community. Many students work in labs across campus, volunteer in the community, and serve in leadership roles in student organizations. 

New this year, the Community-Academic Scholars Program is welcoming three students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Alliance Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP). Through a partnership between the Office of Public Engagement and the Graduate College, the University of Illinois hosts a cohort of up to 50 students from Minority Serving Institutions across the nation. The students spend their summer break on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus gaining research experience and learning skills that will give them a competitive edge in the graduate admissions process and their subsequent graduate studies.

We are excited to welcome Myles Smith and Nevora Ramsey from Morgan State University and Bianca Todacheenie from Navajo Technical University. 

The scholars will bring their experiences to the Summer 2024 projects with academic mentors and community partners to address diverse community needs, including addiction, postpartum pain, transportation barriers, child homelessness, social isolation, food/nutrition insecurity, youth development and well-being, physical activity among people with disabilities, assistive robots in caregiving of older adults, cultural humility and bias, human-centered design in education, local food chains, and accessibility of local businesses. We are excited to witness how their talents and experiences will make a lasting impact on these issues. Sign up to receive program updates and learn more.

Meet the 2024 Community-Academic Scholars

Esther Cardenas (she/her/ella) is a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in molecular & cellular biology. A member of Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority Inc. and a volunteer with UniPlace, Esther is passionate about healthcare and community service. Her career aspirations include gaining experience in the healthcare field before becoming a physician assistant. This summer, she will work with fellow scholar Stone Shi, Prof. Wendy Rogers, Postdoctoral Researcher Samuel Olatunji, and ClarkLindsey Life Plan Community to test the potential of Stretch to support the needs of older adults with cognitive and/or mobility impairment. Learn more about the project.

Sophie Chiewtrakoon (she/her) is majoring in information sciences and sociology. Sophie is a James Scholar, President of the Rural Area Student Initiative and a member of Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity. Sophie's plans to study law, with a focus on technology's role in the justice system and how it could be used to address societal inequalities. Currently, Sophie is working with graduate student Anna Barkley, exploring how first-generation college students conceptualize college readiness. Sophie's upbringing in rural Arkansas fuels her passion for providing educational opportunities and uplifting future generations. Sophie will work with College of Applied Health Sciences Prof. Meaghan McKenna and Danville Public Schools to introduce and evaluate a writing intervention for students kindergarten to second grade. Learn more about the project.

Elenna Claudio-Deutsch (she/her) is a James Scholar majoring in interdisciplinary health sciences with a concentration in health diversity. Actively engaged in promoting health education and awareness, Elenna serves as a McKinley Special Populations Wellness Peer and member of the Student Aging Researchers in Training (START) program where she learned about the disparities the older adult population faces. She has also conducted research under Prof. Fatima Husain that focuses on comparing the perceptions of affective stimuli in individuals with misophonia and hyperacusis. Elenna’s future goal is to work in healthcare. Elenna will work with Kinesiology and Community Health Prof. Mina Raj and Clark Lindsey Life Plan Community to examine knowledge, awareness, and self-efficacy of culturally diverse seasonings among long-term care (LTC) food and nutrition personnel. Learn more about the project.

Kathure Kiunga (she/her) is majoring in electrical engineering and is active in the Engineering Outreach Bureau, National Society of Black Engineers, and even co-founded the Illinois Semiconductor Student Alliance. Kathure works in the Micro-Nano-Mechanical Systems Laboratory as a Lab Technician and the Office of Minority Student Affairs as a Tutor Mentor. She is also an avid cyclist. Kathure’s career goals include pursuing advanced degrees in electrical engineering and establishing her own research lab, with a focus on semiconductor and hardware research. She will work with Graphic Design & Design for Responsible Innovation Prof. Juan Salamanca and Champaign County Bikes to explore the potential for a micromobility system using smart autonomous bicycles to serve as a viable option for commuting, contributing to significant environmental and social impacts, including meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets by replacing car rides or addressing barriers to accessing quality food and education in underserved communities. Learn more about the project.

Madisen LeShoure (she/they) is majoring in information sciences with a data and society pathway. She is also a member of the Black Business Network. Madisen is passionate about social justice and equity and is working on a research project investigating the social implications of Automatic License Plate Readers in Champaign County with Prof. Anita Chan and the Community Data Clinic as well an independent study project examining the relationship between residential segregation and educational outcomes in Champaign-Urbana with Prof. Brandon Batzloff. They are still considering their career goals, but are currently interested in a career in information technology or as an information research scientist/data specialist. Madisen will work with fellow scholar Eryck Wiles, Human Development and Family Studies and African American Studies Prof. Shardé Smith and Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM) to design a community strengths assessment (CSA) to inform the development of culturally relevant programs and services for Black youth and families in Champaign and Urbana. Learn more about the project.

Lorena Magallanes (she/her) is majoring in psychology with a concentration in clinical psychology and a minor in Latina/Latino Studies. Lorena serves as a student program coordinator at La Casa Cultural Latina and the programming chair for Pre-Health Latino Undergraduate Society. Lorena is dedicated to advancing health equity and plans to become a bilingual physician and advocate for minoritized patients. Lorena will work with Assistant Dean for Integrated Health Disparities Programs Dr. Margarita Teran-Garcia and Avicenna Health Center to tailor the HEALER cultural humility training for additional settings in volunteer clinics and health-promotion services areas. Learn more about the project.

Adele Miller (she/her) is a Stamps Scholar, Chancellor’s Scholar, and James Scholar majoring in special education with a disability studies minor. She also works with Illini Service Dogs as a primary caretaker and handler for Rory, a service dog in training. Adele has also reestablished the Campus Honors Program’s mentorship initiative, connecting incoming students with their peers as well as experienced Chancellor’s Scholars for guidance and community. Her career goal is to become a special educator and an advocate for people with disabilities inside and outside of educational spaces. Adele will work with Special Education Prof. Emily Tarconish and Community Choices to consult with community members with disabilities to update an accessible business evaluation and coordinate with the team to turn the digital evaluation into a mobile application. Learn more about the project.

Om Mistry (he/him) is majoring in industrial engineering and statistics. Om is passionate about innovation and serves as a project manager for virtual reality/augmented reality projects at the University of Illinois Stu/dio. His career goal is to leverage statistics and computational methods to make advances in health care. Om will work with Recreation, Sport and Tourism Prof. Sharon Suiwen Zou and the Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development Unit to conduct a nationwide study to assess consumers' awareness, preferences, attitudes, expectations, and willingness-to-pay related to local food dining consumption. Learn more about the project.

Jose Patino (he/him) is a James Scholar majoring in human development and family studies. Engaged in Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences, Jose volunteers to encourage STEM learning among students. His career aspirations include becoming a school counselor or social worker, driven by a passion for supporting youth and improving academic success in underserved communities. Jose will work with Curriculum and Instruction Prof. Mike Tissenbaum, The Well Experience, and Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM) to interact and engage with middle-school students involved with an after-school maker sessions focusing on creating digital and tangible tools to address issues of personal value. Learn more about the project.

Alreona Destiny Phillips (she/her) is an I-Promise Scholar majoring in human development and family studies. She has worked with Pavilion Behavioral Health System in Champaign, providing psychoeducational therapy to children. Alreona plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work with the goal of becoming a child life specialist, drawing on her personal experiences and a desire to support children who have experienced trauma. Alreona will work with fellow scholar Nevora Ramsey, School of Social Work Prof. Doug Smith, and Chestnut Health Systems to examine whether smartphone applications can support young adults with making positive screen choices surrounding their substance use and supporting their recovery before, during, or after receiving treatment. Learn more about the project.

Nevora Ramsey (she/her) is an honors student majoring in nursing with a minor in management and business administration at Morgan State University. Nevora is a certified nursing assistant with CPR training and is active in Sisters in Medicine. Coming from a family with health challenges, she is driven by a desire to improve healthcare outcomes, particularly within her community in Queens, New York. Nevora plans to specialize in pediatric medicine as a nurse practitioner and business owner. Nevora will work with fellow scholar Alreona Phillips, School of Social Work Prof. Doug Smith, and Chestnut Health Systems to examine whether smartphone applications can support young adults with making positive screen choices surrounding their substance use and supporting their recovery before, during, or after receiving treatment. Learn more about the project.

Cecilia Santiago (she/her) is majoring in agriculture and consumer economics with a minor in Spanish. She serves on the executive board of the Latino Student Association and works as a Richard Chavez Ambassador for La Casa Cultural Latina. Cecilia plans to pursue a master's in public health and to become a medical doctor. As a child of immigrants, Cecilia witnessed the struggles that immigrants face when seeking medical attention. Her goal is to increase Latinx representation in the medical field and advocate for the needs of immigrants and marginalized communities. Cecilia will work with Kinesiology & Community Health Prof. Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to survey English- and Spanish-speaking Latinas who had a planned Cesarean delivery in the past 12 months and who were at risk for PPD to gather information to inform a mindfulness intervention. The next study phase will be a single-group open trial pilot test of a mobile, self-guided 8-week mindfulness intervention with English- and Spanish-speaking Latinas to assess its feasibility and acceptability. Learn more about the project.

Shuoning (Stone) Shi (he/him) is studying industrial design and new media. A recipient of multiple campus distinctions, including scholarships and Dean’s List honors, Stone is actively involved in research in Prof. Victor Gruev’s Biosensors Lab, focusing on AR headset design for breast cancer imaging. Stone works to build community among students from eight nations in his role as team captain of the FIFA 25 Soccer Club. Stone's career goal is to enhance human-machine interaction through human-centered research approaches in industrial design. He will work with fellow scholar Esther Cardenas Prof. Wendy Rogers, Postdoctoral Researcher Samuel Olatunji, and ClarkLindsey Life Plan Community to test the potential of Stretch to support the needs of older adults with cognitive and/or mobility impairment. Learn more about the project.

Diamond Smith (they/them) studies clinical psychology and communications. Diamond works with Professors Alejandro Lleras and Simona Buetti in the Vision Lab to examine how our peripheral vision impacts our perception of the environment. In their free time, Diamond volunteers as a bike mechanic. Diamond is passionate about improving mental health treatment and community health interventions. Their career goal is to become a clinical research psychologist, focused on treating for mental illnesses that co-occur with complex trauma. Diamond will work with School of Social Work Prof. Kevin Tan and The Carter Education and Community Foundation to develop and implement a needs assessment study within Rantoul to identify environmental challenges, socioemotional learning, and workforce development gaps with the goal of recommending strategies that advances collective community youth empowerment. Learn more about the project.

Myles Smith (he/him) is a psychology major at Morgan State University. As a member of the Morgan State University Track and Field Team, Myles is interested in the impact that sports can have on brain development. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree to become a sports psychologist and to establish a community service organization to advocate for mental health awareness and reduce self-harm among young people. Myles will work with School of Social Work Prof. Karen Tabb Dina, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Promise Healthcare-Frances Nelson, and Carle Hospital to understand the effects of a broad range of early environmental influences on child health and development and find ways to enhance it. Learn more about the project.

Bianca Todacheenie (she/her) is studying biology and nursing at Navajo Technical University. Bianca has worked as a certified nursing assistant and has conducted research as part of the Harvard Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. She plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences with a focus on emergency medicine. Bianca is a member of the Navajo Nation and has lived on the reservation her whole life. As a first-generation college student, she wants to be a great role model for her daughter, her family, and her community, inspiring children and young women to pursue careers in science and medicine. Bianca will work with Entomology and African American Studies Prof. Esther Ngumbi and Zumwalt Acres to investigate how basalt application impacts biotic factors of agricultural land, specifically soil microbiome, and plant health via modifications of the plant metabolome and chemistry. Learn more about the project.

Savannah Trax (she/her) is a James Scholar majoring in interdisciplinary health sciences with a concentration in health and behavior change. She is the president of the Pre-Podiatry Club and a volunteer at Crisis Nursery. Savannah’s career goal is to become a podiatrist specializing in sports medicine, combining her passion for healthcare with her love for athletics. Savannah will work with Kinesiology and Community Health Prof. Sarah Geiger and the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (RPC) to analyze indoor environmental quality data that is already going to be collected by the RPC before and after interventions to estimate potential health impacts at a societal level. Learn more about the project.

Eryck Wiles (he/they) is pursuing a degree in psychology with a concentration in clinical and community psychology and a minor in Spanish. Eryck is a recent transfer student from Xavier University of Louisiana. During his time at Xavier, he worked with Habitat for Humanity and helped to organize community back-to-school drives. Since transferring to the University of Illinois, they have been involved with The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS). Eryck plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and study quality of life and how it interacts with aspects of identity development in queer minoritized groups.  Eryck will work with fellow scholar Madisen LeShoure, Human Development and Family Studies and African American Studies Prof. Shardé Smith and Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM) to design a community strengths assessment (CSA) to inform the development of culturally relevant programs and services for Black youth and families in Champaign and Urbana. Learn more about the project.