Neli Ragina

Dr. Neli Ragina serves as Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) and Graduate Medical Education (GME) Research at Central Michigan University's College of Medicine. In this leadership role, she oversees all student and resident research activities across clinical sites and the CMU Global Campus, providing strategic direction for clinical, biomedical, and translational investigations while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Her academic foundation includes:

• Ph.D. from Michigan State University
• M.S. from University of Southern California
• M.S. from Sofia University
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Southern California

Dr. Ragina's research program bridges molecular biology and population health. Her translational work investigates epigenetic mechanisms underlying disease processes, while her population health research examines behavioral factors and social determinants affecting people with disabilities. Since establishing the student population health research lab in 2016, she has created a training ground for medical trainees to engage in meaningful health disparities research. Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent productivity across diverse domains including cardiology, oncology, emergency medicine, and medical education.

Dr. Ragina's scientific contributions have been recognized with multiple awards:

• Young Researcher's Award
• Genetic Program Travelling Fellowship
• Graduate School Travelling Award
• International Studies Travelling Fellowship
• REU Graduate Mentor Fellowship
• First award for oral Presentation

As an educator, Dr. Ragina teaches epidemiology, research compliance, reproduction, genetics, and cancer throughout the medical curriculum for students (Years 1-4) and residents. Her mentorship extends beyond the classroom through the student population health research lab, where she guides medical students and residents in developing research projects focused on health disparities. She maintains active collaborations across multiple departments as evidenced by her diverse publication record.

Dr. Ragina leads the student population health research lab, which serves as both a research hub and training platform. The lab's work addresses critical gaps in understanding how social determinants impact health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly people with disabilities. Through this lab, she cultivates the next generation of physician-scientists equipped to address complex health disparities through both clinical practice and research.