Faculty & Staff
Dr. Shauna Elbers-Carlisle
Principle Investigator, Associate Professor
Ph.D. Social Welfare, University of Washington, Seattle
MSW. Administration & Policy, University of Washington, Seattle
B.A. Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
Faculty Website: University of Washington Bothell, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
My primary research focus lies within social epidemiology and the social demography of health disparities. I investigate the intersection of race, ethnicity, and nativity, and its implications on population health and well-being. Much of my research to date has focused on sub-group differences in chronic health outcomes among foreign-born and native-born populations. My recent research examines the relationship between adult health outcomes and biopsychosocial processes through the life course. I am particularly interested in modeling the effects of daily racial hassles from childhood through adulthood and its impact on adult health and social well-being.
Dr. Andrea Stone
Co-Investigator, Associate Professor
Ph.D. Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
B.S. Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Faculty Website: University of Washington Bothell, School of Nursing and Health Studies
I am a drug dependence and psychiatric epidemiologist, which is to say that I study the who, what, where, and why of drug dependence within the population, with a special interest in related or co-occurring psychiatric disorders. The overarching aim of my research is to promote child health and mental health through epidemiological research examining factors associated with youth behavioral outcomes such as substance use, and that may be targeted through community-based prevention/ intervention programs. My pre-doctoral and postdoctoral training has provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge relating to research methodology and statistics that I incorporate into my research endeavors.
Dr. Yordanos “Yordi” Tiruneh
Investigator, Associate Professor
Ph.D. Medical Sociology, Northwestern University, Evanston
MPhil. International Community Health, University of Oslo, Norway
B.A. Sociology and Social Administration, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Faculty Website: University of Texas Tyler, Health Science Center
Dr. Tiruneh is an Associate Professor of Community Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and an Adjunct Assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, department of Population and Data Sciences. She received her Phd in Medical Sociology from Northwestern University. Dr. Tiruneh completed her post-doctoral training in Health Services Policy and Practice at Brown University School of Public Health and in Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at the Miriam Hospital, the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She also completed a clinical research training at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Tiruneh conducts mixed-methods research to understand and address social determinants of health and health disparities.
Dr. Denise Vaughan
Collaborator/Lecturer
Ph.D. Political Science, Washington State University, Pullman
M.A. Political Science, Washington State University, Pullman
B.A. International Relations, Carroll College, Helena, Montana
Faculty Website: University of Washington Bothell, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
My research focuses on the social policy implications of social structures. I use qualitative methodology to analyze the way in which rhetoric influences decision making and lived experience. I am interested in the intersections between lived experience, framing of those experiences and health outcomes. My research areas connect political experiences and their effects on public policy, its implementation and implications. Dr. Vaughan is the Study Coordinator for the Rhealth Study. She is an Affiliate Instructor in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington Bothell where she is the Director of Forensics.
Ariel Harrison, MPH
Predoctoral Researcher
Ariel Harrison is a PhD student at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health (UTHealth in Houston, Tx, focusing her studies in Health Economics and Health Services Research. She holds an MPH from Emory University, as well as a BS in Chemistry from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. Her research interests include racial and health disparities, mental health, access to care, and social determinants of health. Her hope is that her research will improve the daily lives of marginalized communities.
Daniel Murray
Data Manager
Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Washington Bothell. His intense passion for scientific research and attention to detail, led him to pursue research in the field of statistical analysis and data management. Daniel’s background in the field of biology and statistics fuels his motivation for data management and analysis particularly in the area of health disparities in the US and abroad. He hopes his insights, skill set and diverse academic background can support research aimed at promoting health equity and increase awareness of the impact of discrimination on health.
Crystal Galvan, MPH
Collaborator
Crystal Galván brings five years of experience in supporting students from minoritized, low socio-economic, and first-generation backgrounds in higher education. She earned a dual degree from Washington State University; B.A. in Comparative Ethnic Studies with a minor in Spanish and a B.A. in Sociology. Crystal earned her master’s from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in Latin American and Latinx Studies (LALS). In her most recent role as a Coordinator for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at Purdue University Northwest, she led the preparation of McNair Scholars for graduate education (i.e. summer research internship, graduate portfolio seminars, and scholarly workshops) and managed day-to-day operations.
Current Graduate Students
Aliyanda Harris Cobbinah
Aliyanda graduated with a degree in Society, Ethics & Human Behavior with a Minor in Human Rights from the University of Washington Bothell. Aliyanda is currently pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science degree as a graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in order to serve under-represented communities. Aliyanda is passionate about community engagement and how their role as a librarian can serve to disseminate health information to the community. Aliyanda is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and enjoys furthering their mission to be of service to all mankind.
Hamdi Mohamed
For over a decade, Hamdi Mohamed has worked in King County, serving diverse communities. She came to the U.S. when she was three years old with her family, after the outbreak of a civil war. Today, Hamdi is a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Law, Societies, and Justice. Hamdi currently works for King County Office of Equity and Social Justice as a Policy Advisor and serves on the COVID-19 Response Team. She previously worked for U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal as her Deputy District Director. Part of her job was educating the public and acting as a conduit between constituents and federal agencies. She helped hundreds of small and medium businesses —software companies, stores, restaurants, non-profit organizations—navigate the impacts of new public policies. By facilitating disputes with federal agencies in matters like visa, tax, shipment, and contractual issues, she helped manage to keep businesses running and growing. By employing her advocacy and leadership skills, she helped save millions of dollars for residents and businesses across King County.
Oluwatunmininu (Tunmi) Anwoju
Tunmi Anwoju Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Medical Science from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Her interest in behavioral science led her to pursue a master’s degree in Health Science from the University of Texas at Tyler. She is interested in research on obesity and infectious disease globally. The goal is to improve healthy lifestyles amongst individuals with focus on various racial groups and socioeconomic status.
Zachary Peebles
Zachary grew up in Seattle and still calls the city home. He has worked in healthcare and public health for the last 8 years and returned to school at UW Bothell in 2022 with plans to finish his Psychology undergrad and start his Master’s in Public Health. Zachary enjoys staying active on his bicycle and hiking. It is Zachary’s mission to use his education and knowledge to make a positive impact on the experiences of patients and healthcare employees. In fall 2023 Zach will continue his education as a graduate student at the University of Washington’s Master in Public Health program.
Martha Garcia
Martha Garcia obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, with additional minors in Chemistry and Medical Humanities. Currently she is working on her medical degree at the University of Texas Medial branch. Outside of school Martha volunteers at St. Vincent’s Student-Run Clinic as a Junior Director of the Referrals Committee. She helps economically disadvantaged, uninsured, and working-poor individuals and families access the quality healthcare they deserve. Martha is interested in health-related research that focuses on social determinants of health. Other areas of interest include reproductive justice and community-organizing in the borderlands region of Texas.
Aaron Davis
Aaron Davis is a University of Washington Bothell senior majoring in Health Studies, double minoring in Global Health and Health Education and Promotion. They have a passion for public health research and initiatives and aspire to work as a researcher with health disparities and interventions. Aaron believes strongly in the power of community and hopes to research further into resiliency and social/behavioral determinants of health within the African diaspora and communities of color. Aaron is also interested in the intersections of race, gender, and homelessness. In fall 2021 Aaron will continue their education as a graduate student at the University of Washington’s Master in Public Health Epidemiology program, Maternal and Child (MCH) track.
Mary Tesfaye Gebre
Mary Tesfaye Gebre is currently a master’s student in sociology and health specializing in quantitative methodology at Carleton University and plans to pursue a master’s and doctorate degree in public health. Mary’s research interests are in public and population health and health behaviors. She seeks to further investigate health outcomes and interventions impacting African Afro-Caribbean and Black people living in Canada as her thesis project. Mary has worked for the African Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario and is now working as a junior analyst for the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Christine Holloway
Christine Holloway is currently enrolled in her second year at Northwest University in pursuit of her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of West Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Ohio Dominican University. Christine is interested in research on mental health help-seeking attitudes of people of African descent, barriers to mental health treatment, spirituality, and culturally integrated counseling practices.
Current Undergraduate Students
Nazrawit Yoseph Getachew
Nazrawit Yoseph Getachew is a junior at the University of Washington, Bothell majoring in Biology. After graduation, Nazrawit hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Nazrawit currently volunteers at Seattle children’s hospital playroom. Nazrawit is interested in health-related research to address and improve the emotional, social, and mental health issues and lifestyles of minorities. Nazrawit looks forward to working with the community and understanding each premise better in our current research.
Hafsa Abdi
Hafsa Abdi is a junior at the University of Washington, Bothell majoring in Health Studies with a minor in Global Health and Health Education. After graduation, Hafsa hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Currently Hafsa volunteers at Kaiser Permanente Bellevue medical center. She also works part time for a non profit organization in Redmond. Hafsa is interested in health-related research and research to improve health disparities among under represented communities. She also looks forward to gaining a better understanding health care delivery as a social determinant of health.
Ayla Badr
Ayla Badr is a sophomore at the University of Washington, Bothell majoring in Health Studies. Once she graduates, she aspires to pursue a career within the field of health administration. Ayla holds interest within research related to the mental health issues minorities face, and how this can impact their physical health. Ayla plans to contribute more knowledge to the health field, in hopes of furthering the support for disadvantaged communities.
Past Students
Alyssa King
Alyssa graduated from the University of Washington Bothell in 2020 with a B.A. in Law, Economics and Public Policy and Global Studies with a minor in Human Rights. She has found that working on this research team is a great opportunity to strengthen her research and analytic skills especially with her interest in the intersection between health and social justice. Alyssa has found that working on this research team is a great experience especially with her interest in the intersection of health and social justice. This fall Alyssa hopes to start working towards her Masters in Public Policy and looks forward to gaining knowledge of how we can improve the mental, physical and emotional health of black women. Her goal is to shine a light on systematic racism so that all have equitable access to health care.
Marjan Atashkhayer Didra
Marjan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender Women and Sexuality Studies at the University of Washington Bothell. Currently, she is working on her master’s degree in Policy Studies. Her passion for identifying the reasons behind the existing disparity in our society and lack of access to resources specifically for the minorities led her to pursue research in the field of statistical analysis. Marjan’s background as an immigrant propelled her to partake in the area of health disparities in the US and abroad. She hopes to utilize her experience as a new American as well as a policy researcher in promoting health equity and increase awareness of the impact of discrimination on health.
Lyric Dixon
Lyric Dixon is a student attending the University of Washington, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Health Studies along with a minor in policy studies. She currently works as a nurse in home healthcare, and as a medical receptionist. Her research areas of interest pertain to how societal discourses affect the well-being of African, Afro-Caribbean, or African American women.
Samantha Frati
Samantha Frati graduated in Spring 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies and Law, Economics, and Public Policy grew up in Snohomish, Washington about thirty miles north of Seattle. Her interests are in public health, bioethics, law, and policy. After graduation, she plans to attend law school in hopes of pursuing a law career focused on health, and policy
Heather Hewitt
Graduated in Spring 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies, School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Washington, Bothell. Heather plans to continue conducting research and pursue a PhD in Public Health. For the last year and a half, Heather has been the student Project Coordinator for two related research projects under the mentorship of Dr. Shauna Carlisle, and Dr. Andrea Stone, and is currently working on the Black Women’s Health Study. Conducting research for these projects has provided an incredible opportunity to delve into the social determinants of health, and more deeply understand the correlation between perceived discrimination, stress, and poor health outcomes. Using her education and the research skills that she has acquired through this work, Heather strives to make a positive impact on public health practice, education, and outreach in Washington State.
Kenia Johnson
Kenia is currently working on her Bachelor’s in Community Psychology. Born and raised in the Caribbean, her resilience and sense of social justice/reaction to social inequities were formed in her earliest years. As a mother, she seeks out every opportunity for her children, so that they grow up knowing there is no door that remains shut in the face of relentless determination. With marathon-level endurance, works with organizations that promote racial equality, oppose education disparities, and battle youth homelessness. She is currently collaborating on a research study on marginalized communities and public health.
Jashan Kaur
Jashan Kaur is pursuing a BA in Health Studies at the University of Washington Bothell. She works at Swedish Hospital as a scribe and tutor younger students. She is interested in public health research and addressing some of the most pressing health issues. She plans to become a Physician Assistant undergrad to not only help people in their most vulnerable time but to guide people to a healthier lifestyle.
Portney Shibale
Shibale graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Public Health. She is currently working on a systematic review of Community Resilience and research on Film Pedagogy in Public Health. “My future goal is to work globally sustaining different communities through Community-Based Participatory Research. I’m also interested in disease etiology specifically HIV, Malaria and other tropical diseases.”
Ariel Minott
Ariel Minott graduated with a degree in Criminology at the University of Toronto and was accepted into the Law School at the University of Windsor. She is interested in studying social injustice and inequalities faced by ethnic minorities in Canada and around the world. She has noticed a lack of research on the health disparities experienced by African, African-Canadian and African-Caribbean people in Canada. Her hope is that her research will help address this lack of research and contribute to a better understanding as to why health disparities exist.
Ericka Scott
Ericka Scott is an honors graduate of Northwest University, having obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with the goal of serving in the field of mental health. She is passionate about conducting research to reduce racial disparities in health across African, African American and Afro-Caribbean populations in the US and Canada. As a mother of three she is socially aware of the challenges they will face which drives her desire to work and serve communities of color. In the fall 2021 Ericka will join the academic community of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where she will obtain her Master’s in Social Work.