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Natasha WrightView profile

Assistant Professor

• Membrane-Based Separation Processes
• Desalination
• Engineering Global Development
• +5 more

Natasha Wright is the Richard and Barbara Nelson Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where she leads the Wright Lab focused on water treatment technologies for low- and middle-income communities. Her research spans membrane-based separation processes, desalination, engineering for global development, and water and sanitation in emerging markets. She teaches courses including ME8243 Research and Methods for Sustainability Impact, ME5312 Solar Thermal Technologies, and ME4054 Design Projects. Dr. Wright's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2018) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2014) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN (2012) Dr. Wright's research focuses on developing practical water treatment solutions for resource-constrained settings worldwide. Her lab works on membrane-based separation processes with applications in brine management, decentralized peritoneal dialysis fluid production, food loss reduction through evaporative cooling, electrodialysis desalination, and gas extraction from wastewater. The research spans multiple countries including India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Navajo Nation, and Minneapolis, emphasizing implementation in real-world contexts. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on convection-enhanced evaporation systems for brine management, decentralized dialysis solutions, and design ethnography methodologies for global health applications. The work combines mathematical modeling with experimental validation and field testing across diverse geographical contexts, demonstrating a commitment to translating engineering solutions into practical applications that address critical needs in water, sanitation, and healthcare. Notable scientific achievements include: KidneyX Sustainability Prize (January 2025, $1M award for expanding global access to dialysis treatment) American-Made Solar Desalination Prize quarterfinalist (December 2020) Dr. Wright actively mentors a diverse team of graduate and undergraduate researchers. Her current advisees include Ph.D. candidates Carolyn Bernemann, Ali Abdelkawi, Jenn Hoody, and Ian Manning, as well as M.S. student Pauly Soulia. She has successfully guided multiple students to degree completion, including Ph.D. graduate Ian Song (2024) and M.S. graduates Adithya Ganapathiraju (2024) and Trenton Brown (2023). Her students have received prestigious fellowships including an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (Carolyn Bernemann) and a Circularity Impact Program Fellowship (Jenn Hoody). The Wright Lab operates as a multidiplinary team conducting research across the globe, with active projects in India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Navajo Nation, and Minneapolis. The lab maintains strong collaborations with researchers from Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering at the University of Minnesota (Profs. Bill Arnold and Paige Novak) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Prof. Jeremy Guest). They frequently present their work at major international conferences including the International Desalination and Reuse Association World Congress and the International Water Association conferences.

Mayeh OmarView profile

Associate Professor

• Health Systems
• Public Health
• Mental Health
• +5 more

Mayeh Omar is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds , serving as Deputy Head and Teaching Coordinator for the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development . With over 40 years of experience in low-middle income countries, her work spans health systems development, mental health, and capacity building through research, consultancy, and educational leadership. Her educational expertise includes curriculum development, problem-based learning, and continuous professional development for health professionals. She has designed programs at Leeds and internationally, and supervised PhD, Master’s, and intercalated BSc students globally. Current projects include collaborations with Hasanuddin University (Indonesia) and Universitas Muhammadiyah (Indonesia) on hospital resilience measurement and teaching partnerships. Research focuses on health systems for low-income and conflict-affected settings, with recent articles analyzing antimicrobial resistance in Sudan, mobile palliative care in Uganda, and teaching methodology evaluations in public health education. She has also contributed to mental health policy development in Africa and South Asia, and co-authored studies on gender roles in HIV prevention in Zimbabwean marriages. Scientific contributions include the Fellow, Academy of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and leadership roles in international health policy committees. Her work with the World Health Organization and UNICEF spans strategic planning, leadership training, and policy analysis across 20+ countries.

Bonnie ZareView profile

Professor

• Feminist Theory
• Global Feminisms
• Caste Studies
• +6 more

Bonnie Zare is a Professor in the Department of Sociology within the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech. She currently serves as the Director of Women's and Gender Studies (since September 2023) and is an active member of the Faculty Senate (2023-2026). Her work spans teaching, research, and international engagement with a focus on social justice issues. Dr. Zare's research interests center on feminist theory, global feminisms, caste studies, and gender-based violence, with particular emphasis on South Asian contexts. Her scholarship examines caste privilege among university students, the experiences of domestic workers in India, and transformative educational approaches for marginalized communities. She has conducted extensive work on B.R. Ambedkar's educational philosophy and its implications for social justice. Her recent publications reveal a consistent trajectory examining how social hierarchies operate across national boundaries, particularly focusing on caste dynamics within the Indian diaspora and educational settings. The research demonstrates how seemingly mundane campus interactions around dating, marriage patterns, and food practices can reveal hidden structures of caste privilege. Dr. Zare has developed and led a Wintermester program to South India for over a decade, partnering with organizations including Aarti Home and Voice4Girls to support low-income girls in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This experiential learning program allows students to deepen their knowledge of social justice issues while engaging directly with community-based solutions. She teaches a range of courses including Feminist Theory, Global Feminisms, and Introduction to Women's & Gender Studies, with consistent teaching assignments through December 2024. Her professional activities include numerous diversity and inclusion initiatives, human subjects training, and committee service focused on gender equity and educational development.

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Vitreoretinal Disease
• +5 more

Rajeev S. Ramchandran, M.D., M.B.A. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, specializing in Retina & Vitreous Services at the Flaum Eye Institute. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist with extensive clinical experience in retinal surgeries, laser therapy, intravitreal injections, and medical retina care. His research interests span multiple domains including telemedicine applications in ophthalmology, diabetic retinopathy screening protocols, retinal imaging technology, health policy and economics, and international ophthalmology. Dr. Ramchandran has developed significant expertise in implementing teleophthalmology programs to improve diabetic retinopathy surveillance in primary care settings and urban low-income populations. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on retinal imaging technology development, teleophthalmology program evaluation, and the intersection of eye care with broader health systems. His work demonstrates consistent contributions to improving access to eye care in rural communities and underserved populations through innovative telemedicine solutions. John M. Brophy Award (2013) Operations Faculty Award (2013) Beta Sigma Gamma Honor Society member (2013) Distinction in Research during medical school (2003) Summa Cum Laude graduate from University of Pennsylvania (1998) Phi Beta Kappa member (1998) Dr. Ramchandran actively contributes to clinical education and has participated in numerous research collaborations across disciplines including oncology, pulmonology, and neuroscience. His laboratory work has included significant contributions to understanding vascular biology, ciliogenesis mechanisms, and molecular pathways in retinal disease. He maintains an active clinical practice serving patients in the Rochester area, Finger Lakes Region, and Western New York.

Per BjörkmanView profile

Professor

• Infectious Diseases
• Tuberculosis
• HIV
• +7 more

Per Björkman is a Professor and specialist physician at Lund University, Sweden, serving as Research Team Manager for Clinical Infection Medicine and leading a field research station in Adama, Ethiopia. His affiliations include EpiHealth (Epidemiology for Health) and Infect@LU, reflecting his dual focus on Swedish and Ethiopian health systems within infectious disease research. Björkman's research centers on pathogen-host-society interactions in infectious diseases, with primary emphasis on tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infections. His work develops diagnostic algorithms and biomarker-based management strategies for high-burden low-income settings, particularly targeting HIV-positive populations, reproductive-age women, and infants. Laboratory investigations focus on immune system determinants of TB infection outcomes, integrating microbiology, immunology, and epidemiology to address global health disparities. Recent publications reveal consistent trends in TB diagnostics for resource-limited contexts, HIV treatment monitoring in Ethiopian populations, and emerging infection responses like monkeypox neuroinvasion. His work bridges clinical immunology, epidemiological field studies, and public health implementation, with strong emphasis on adapting methodologies for low-income healthcare infrastructure. Björkman actively supervises research, including doctoral theses on HIV treatment outcomes and TB-placental interactions, while managing eight projects totaling over 14 supervised works. Major grants include The Swedish Heart Lung Foundation's study on tuberculosis effects on placental development (2024-2027) and the THESA project tracking HIV transmission patterns in Ethiopia. He directs the Adama research station in Ethiopia, coordinating a transnational network involving Lund University experts, Ethiopian research institutes, and healthcare organizations to conduct cohort studies on TB/HIV co-infections and maternal-infant health outcomes in high-burden settings.

Lucy ChappellView profile

Research Professor

• Obstetrics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Pregnancy Hypertension
• +4 more

Professor Lucy Chappell is NIHR Research Professor in Obstetrics at King's College London and Honorary Consultant Obstetrician at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. She serves as Chair of the NIHR HTA Clinical Evaluation and Trials committee, Chair of the NIHR Artificial Intelligence for Multiple Long-Term Conditions committee, and Deputy Chair of the MRC/NIHR Clinical Academic Research Partnership committee. She is also national pregnancy lead for the RECOVERY trial in COVID-19 and vaccine lead for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Professor Chappell's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of London and University of Cambridge respectively, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of London, and a Master of Education from King's College London. Her research focuses on the prediction and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in women with pre-existing co-morbidities such as chronic hypertension and chronic kidney disease. She employs randomized controlled trials and observational studies to advance understanding in maternal-fetal medicine. Her work addresses critical gaps in knowledge regarding hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, and their impact on maternal and neonatal health outcomes across diverse populations. Analysis of Professor Chappell's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, with particular focus on pre-eclampsia, ethnic disparities in outcomes, and innovative approaches to diagnosis and management. Her research integrates clinical trials, imaging techniques, and biomarker studies to develop evidence-based interventions. A significant portion of her work addresses health equity concerns, examining how race and ethnicity influence perinatal outcomes across high-income and upper-middle-income countries. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards: Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2020) NIHR Senior Investigator designation Best supervisor, Academic Foundation Programme 2018-19 BMFMS Annual Meeting late breaking oral presentation prize BMJ Awards 2020: Women's Health Category - highly commended Professor Chappell supervises higher degree students from obstetric, nephrology, general practice, and midwifery backgrounds. Her research program has secured substantial funding through multiple NIHR grants including CRADLE-B, PAPAGAIO, and BABY PANDA studies. She has served as national pregnancy lead for the RECOVERY trial during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating her leadership in addressing urgent public health challenges through rigorous scientific investigation. As leader of the Maternal Hypertension research group within King's Global Maternal Health program, Professor Chappell directs a multidisciplinary team that combines clinical obstetrics, nephrology, imaging, and data science to address complex questions in pregnancy hypertension. Her group collaborates extensively with international partners to ensure research findings are applicable across diverse healthcare settings, with particular attention to implementation in low-resource environments.

Bomikazi ZekaView profile

Associate Professor

• Economic outcomes of disadvantaged individuals
• Financial planning
• Retirement savings
• +6 more

Bomikazi Zeka is an Associate Professor in Finance and Financial Planning at the University of Canberra. Her academic career focuses on the intersection of financial planning, economic inequality, and the financial wellbeing of marginalized communities. With a PhD from Nelson Mandela University completed in 2017, she has established herself as a prominent researcher in financial planning and its social implications. Dr. Zeka's research interests center on understanding the economic outcomes of previously disadvantaged individuals, particularly women, people of color, and older adults. She investigates the pathways that maintain marginal economic status and the coping strategies employed to overcome financial vulnerability. Her work appreciates the nuanced shades of poverty resulting from socio-economic inequality and examines how these inequalities impact families, communities, and social structures. Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on practical financial planning issues affecting everyday people. Major themes include retirement planning strategies, debt management approaches, financial resilience during economic hardship, and the psychological aspects of financial decision-making. Her work often addresses the specific challenges faced by low-to-middle income earners who must balance immediate financial obligations with long-term security. Dr. Zeka actively contributes to public discourse through The Conversation, where she has published numerous articles since joining in January 2019. Her work bridges academic research and practical application, making complex financial concepts accessible to broader audiences while maintaining scholarly rigor.

Emmie MaleweziView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Stroke Care
• Acute Stroke Nursing
• Family Caregiver Support
• +4 more

Dr. Emmie Malewezi is a Senior Lecturer in Nursing & Midwifery at Edge Hill University, specializing in stroke care and family caregiver support. With 17 years of clinical experience in the NHS as a Stroke Specialist Nurse and Stroke Unit Ward Manager, she transitioned to academia in 2018. She serves as Principal Investigator for the Stroke Action in the Community project in Malawi and collaborates with the World Stroke Organisation, African Stroke Organisation, and UK-Malawi stroke partnership. PGCert in Education, Edge Hill University (2021) PhD in Health, Edge Hill University (2020) MSc Nursing, City, University of London (2009) BSc (Hons) Nursing, University of Manchester (2001) Nursing & Midwifery qualification, University of Malawi (1999) Her research focuses on stroke care optimization in diverse settings, particularly through the development of the Carers’ Alert Thermometer for Stroke (CAT-S) – a tool for identifying caregiver needs post-discharge. She contributes to global stroke policy and prehospital care guidelines through the World Stroke Organisation and has pioneered stroke unit establishment in Malawi. Recent publications examine workforce integration in stroke services, evidence-based practice implementation, and prehospital care frameworks. Scientific awards include recognition at the International Symposium of Stroke Pre-Hospital Care and UK Stroke Nursing Forum prizes. She supervises nursing research and contributes to acute care policy through collaborations with OSCAIL (Organised Stroke Care Across Income Levels) and Lancashire/South Cumbria healthcare networks.

Justin Nathaniel BakerView profile

Professor

• Pediatric Palliative Care
• End-of-Life Decision Making
• Grief and Bereavement
• +7 more

Justin Nathaniel Baker is the Deborah E. Addicott - John A. Kriewall and Elizabeth A. Haehl Family Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine. He serves as Chief of the Division of Quality of Life and Pediatric Palliative Care, Director of the Quality of Life for All (QoLA) Program, and Associate Chief Quality Officer for Patient Experience and Holistic Care at Stanford. Dr. Baker completed his medical education at the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio (2001), followed by residency in Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center (2004), and a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at St. Jude's Research Hospital (2007). He is board certified in Pediatrics (2004), Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (2009), and Hospice and Palliative Medicine (2019). As a Pediatric Oncologist and Palliative Care Physician, Dr. Baker's research focuses on ethical considerations in Phase I clinical trials, AYA palliative oncology care, end-of-life decision making, grief and bereavement, and integrating palliative care into ongoing cancer treatment for children. His work emphasizes patient-reported outcomes and pain/symptom control in pediatric oncology, addressing the distress experienced by children with advanced cancer and their families. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in prognostic communication strategies, emotional support in advanced childhood cancer, integrative medicine utilization in comprehensive cancer centers, spiritual care in oncology settings, and global mapping of children's palliative care development. The research reveals consistent themes around improving communication quality, addressing emotional needs, and expanding access to palliative services globally. Dr. Baker has authored approximately 300 academic works and has received significant extramural funding for his research. He is a recognized global expert and leader in Pediatric Palliative Care with clinical focus areas including Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Pediatric Oncology, and Global Pediatric Palliative Care. As an educator, Dr. Baker previously served as Director of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at St. Jude for over a decade, mentoring numerous trainees in the field. He currently holds appointments as Professor in the University Medical Line and as a Member of the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI).

Robin KamalView profile

Associate Professor

• Hand Surgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• +4 more

Dr. Robin Kamal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). He serves as Medical Director for Accountable Care, Value-Based Care Program, and Orthopaedic Service Line at Stanford Health Care. Dr. Kamal directs the VOICES Health Policy Research Center and collaborates with national and international physicians. Undergraduate and Medical Education: University of Missouri-Kansas City (AOA, Cum Laude) Residency: Brown University (Orthopaedic Surgery) Fellowships: Brown University (Orthopaedic Trauma), Duke University (Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery) Advanced Degrees: MBA (University of Massachusetts-Amherst), Master's in Health Policy (Stanford University) Dr. Kamal's research focuses on wrist and elbow injuries, distal radius fractures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and quality metrics in orthopaedic surgery. He leads studies on surgical capacity building in LMICs, SDOH in hand surgery, and implementation of accountable care strategies. His clinical expertise spans trauma and reconstructive surgery for upper extremity conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and sports injuries. Recent publications highlight his work on surgical technique validation, PROMs standardization, and global health disparities. Dr. Kamal has developed international quality measures to reduce low-value care in hand surgery and investigates temporal trends in surgical complications. Scientific Awards: Alpha Omega Alpha (2006), 'Best of AAOS' Presentation (2012) Professional Leadership: AAOS Clinical Practice Guidelines Chair (Distal Radius Fractures), Co-Chair (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), NQF/AHIP Core Quality Measures Collaborative Co-Chair As an educator, Dr. Kamal mentors medical students and residents through courses like Community Health and Prevention Research Master's Thesis Writing and Orthopaedic Surgery Directed Reading. He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Hand Surgery and co-editor of Comprehensive Board Review in Orthopaedic Surgery .

Lisa GrayView profile

Assistant Professor

• Military Social Work
• Trauma Therapy
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• +2 more

Lisa Gray is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Regis College, where she has taught since 2018 after providing clinical services to military dependent children and families as a civilian contractor for the Department of the Army. Her extensive clinical background spans trauma therapy for abused and neglected children across hospital, school, and military settings. Her educational credentials include: PhD in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University MSSW from The University of Texas at Austin BSW from Texas State University Dr. Gray's research centers on advancing mental health care for military community members with emphasis on children and families , exploring trauma treatment within military contexts, military spouse well-being, and evidence-based interventions for vulnerable populations. Her work bridges clinical practice and community-based mental health promotion. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on improving mental health services through home visiting programs, maternal-child health integration, and inclusive social work education – revealing strong thematic continuity in serving military families and underserved communities. Scientific recognition: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program (2012-2015) As an educator, she has taught across undergraduate and graduate social work programs while maintaining active clinical practice. Currently stationed in Germany as a military spouse, she volunteers in an intensive outpatient trauma program treating active duty personnel, veterans, and military families – demonstrating exceptional commitment to both academic and frontline service. Her career trajectory shows deep integration of personal military family experience (as military child, sibling of Iraqi war veteran, and active-duty spouse) with professional expertise in military social work across diverse clinical settings.

Cynthia Abbott-GaffneyView profile

Associate Professor

• Telehealth
• Assistive Technology
• Brain Injury Rehabilitation
• +2 more

Cynthia Abbott-Gaffney serves as an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Temple University's College of Public Health, bringing 23 years of clinical experience in occupational therapy with specialization in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and pediatric community/school-based interventions. Her academic credentials include: OTD from Boston University MA in Occupational Therapy from New York University BS in Recreational Therapy from Montclair State University Research centers on telehealth implementation and assistive technology to address service gaps in underserved areas, with particular emphasis on global practitioner shortages and pediatric school-based applications . Her work bridges clinical practice and technological innovation to enhance service efficiency and accessibility across diverse populations. Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on telehealth viability from 2019-2023, evolving from pre-pandemic workforce shortage solutions to post-pandemic implementation lessons, with strong thematic connections to home modification models for elderly populations and cross-cultural service delivery. Professional recognition includes: Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA) Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer certification As an educator, she mentors doctoral candidates through capstone projects while teaching core courses in theoretical frameworks, research methodology, and assistive technology. Her conference presentations on post-injury occupational resumption and school-based interventions demonstrate applied research translation despite limited grant documentation in source materials.

• Autism
• Developmental Disorders
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Mayada Elsabbagh, PhD, is a Senior Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University. She leads research in autism and developmental disorders through the Child Health and Human Development Program at RI-MUHC. Senior Scientist, RI-MUHC Associate Professor, McGill University Director, Transforming Autism Care Consortium Her research focuses on early brain function markers for autism, developmental pathways, and knowledge translation. She works on accelerating scientific discoveries into community impact, with global initiatives in low- and middle-income countries. Recent publications address autism genetics, caregiver training programs, neuroimaging in infants, and cross-national health policies. Articles span 2025-2023, emphasizing genomic studies, early intervention frameworks, and emotional-behavioral comorbidity.

• Tropical Paediatric Infectious Disease
• Emergency-Care Research
• Childhood Mortality Reduction
• +10 more

Kath Maitland is Professor of Paediatric Tropical Infectious Diseases at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine and Director of the ICCARE Centre at the Institute for Global Health Innovation. She is an Honorary Fellow at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit and holds multiple clinical and academic affiliations including Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Disease at Imperial Healthcare Trust. Her career spans 24 years of full-time research leadership in East Africa. Education : MBBS (St. Bartholomew's Hospital), PhD in Epidemiology (University of London), Diploma of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Key Achievements : Landmark FEAST trial (fluid resuscitation in severe infection), TRACT trial (transfusion strategies for anaemia), COAST trial (oxygen saturation thresholds), and GASTROSAM/SMAART consortia. Her research focuses on clinical trials addressing childhood mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in emergency care , fluid resuscitation , transfusion medicine , and severe malaria . Recent work includes nutritional interventions (MIMBLE trials), oxygen therapy optimization, and novel diagnostic approaches for malnutrition and anaemia. She has significantly influenced WHO guidelines through her trials. Scientific Awards : BMJ Research Paper of the Year 2012 (FEAST trial) EDCTP Award 2018 (COAST-Nutrition) Her collaborations span global institutions, including the University of Cambridge, MRC units, and African research networks. She continues to lead transformative research in tropical paediatrics and global health innovation.

James M. EllisView profile

Assistant Professor

• K-20 education and career pathways of low-income and racial minority students
• Education pipeline interventions
• Racism and discrimination in secondary and postsecondary settings
• +4 more

Dr. James M. Ellis is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work , focusing on educational equity for low-income and racial minority students . His research examines college readiness programs , racism in education , and social support systems influencing student persistence. He employs interdisciplinary quantitative and qualitative methods and collaborates with education practitioners. Education: PhD in Education (2015), MSW in Interpersonal Practice/Children & Youth (2007), BSW in Social Work (2006) Affiliations: University of Michigan, UNC Chapel Hill (via Finish Line Project grant) Dr. Ellis’s work includes program evaluation for college access initiatives and studying microaffirmations in social work education. Recent publications explore trauma-informed practices , fictive kin relationships , and self-regulated learning among marginalized youth. His courses include Program Evaluation and Applied Research and Social Problems and Social Work Today . He contributes to grant-funded research , including the U.S. Department of Education’s Finish Line Project , which analyzed first-generation student retention at UNC Chapel Hill. Future research will address intersectionality of race and socioeconomic status in college persistence among Black and Latinx men.