Thenral Mangadu

Thenral Mangadu is a Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), affiliated with the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. She also serves as Associate Vice President of Interdisciplinary Research in UTEP’s Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP), overseeing collaborative research initiatives. Her work focuses on addressing health disparities through community-engaged research and program implementation, particularly in global and rural health, substance use disorder, mental health, and maternal and child health. With over 20 years of experience, she leads multi-sectorial teams delivering applied research and services across West Texas.

Dr. Mangadu’s research emphasizes the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in public health, alongside program evaluation methodologies. Her studies often target underserved populations, including minority communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. Notable projects include combatting opioid abuse, analyzing disparities in HIV/AIDS, and improving provider retention in early intervention programs. She has secured federal grants such as NIH funding to address health equity and workforce development in rural areas.

Her academic contributions span over two decades, with publications focusing on topics like social determinants of health, mental health quality of life among veterans, and the intermediary roles of resilience and loneliness in health outcomes. Collaborations with institutions like UTEP’s Office of Research and the National Science Foundation highlight her leadership in interdisciplinary research administration. While no specific scientific awards are listed, her impact is reflected in institutional grants and community-driven health initiatives.

Dr. Mangadu’s advising and grant narratives include mentoring interdisciplinary teams and securing federal funding for projects such as the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. She actively participates in labs and partnerships focused on border health, leveraging technology to bridge rural healthcare gaps. Her future work aims to further integrate AI-driven solutions into public health interventions targeting systemic disparities.