Cheavar Blair, PhD

Assistant Professor, Physiology, College of Medicine

Dr. Cheavar Blair is a Research assistant professor of physiology at the University of Kentucky, where his work focuses on cardiovascular research and bioengineering. With a PhD in physiology from the University of Kentucky and postdoctoral fellowships at Stanford University and UC Santa Barbara, Dr. Blair has contributed extensively to advancing cardiac health, particularly through his research on sarcomere-targeting therapies. Dr. Blair's commitment to excellence in research is apparent as a recipient of numerous awards, including the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award, 2023 DREAM Scholar, and 2024 Research Scholar.  

As co-director of the Undergraduate Summer Training in Cardiovascular Research program at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Blair is dedicated to mentoring and actively serving in leadership roles to support minority and early-career scientists.  

Research Focus: 

The use of human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes to study the impact of cancer drugs, inherited mutations, and altered circadian rhythms on the mechanical function of the heart. ​

Aubrey Jones, PhD

Assistant Professor, Social Work, College of Social Work

Dr. Aubrey Jones is an assistant professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. She holds an affiliate faculty position in the appalachian studies program at the University of Kentucky. Her research addresses the health and well-being of reproductive-age women and factors affecting access to healthcare and mental health. She is primarily interested in maternal mental health. Jones also researches to better understand the needs of rural communities and social work’s role in rural communities.

Prior to joining the University of Kentucky, Aubrey worked in crisis intervention for youth and families. She also has experience working in a skilled nursing facility and working with youth residing in juvenile detention and residential programs.

Research Focus:

Health equity for women and families, focusing on access to mental & physical healthcare for new mothers and rural families. Improving social worker outcomes in rural communities.​​

Erica Littlejohn, PhD

Assistant Professor, Behavioral Science, College of Medicine

Dr. Erica Littlejohn is an assistant professor in the department of behavioral science, Center for Health Equity Transformation, and the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. Her research focuses on childhood maltreatment’s impact on the risk and progression of cognitive impairment and dementia across the lifespan, as well as the mechanism(s) driving its neuropathology. Her population research centers on investigating how adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) contribute to negative neurological outcomes amongst diverse populations. Dr. Littlejohn was a part of the team of renowned experts that recently authored the SDOH Research Framework, Determinants of Inequities in Neurologic Disease, Health, and Well-being for the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). As a result of her neurologic research focus on SDOH and Adverse Childhood Experience screening, she serves as an external science representative on the NINDS General Common Data Elements Steering Committee. In addition to her research amongst special populations, her expertise in neurological disease health inequities and strong pre-clinical research background has uniquely positioned her translational research program to advance treatment and interventions to eliminate health disparities.

Research Focus:

Childhood maltreatment’s impact on the risk and progression of cognitive impairment and dementia across the lifespan, as well as the mechanism(s) driving its neuropathology.​

Hend Mansoor, Pharm.D, PhD

Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice & Science, College of Pharmacy

Dr. Hend Mansoor is an assistant professor in the pharmacy practice and science department. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) from Qatar University. She holds a Master’s degree (MS) in Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy from the College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, and a Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Informatics from the College of Medicine, University of Florida. She was awarded a PhD in Health Services Research, Management, and Policy from the College of Public Health at the University of Florida.

She is an author of more than 25 peer-reviewed manuscripts published in prestigious journals and presented her research at national meetings such as the American Managed Care Pharmacy and the American Heart Association. She serves as an associate editor for American Heart Journal: Cardiology Research and Practice as well as Frontiers in Medicine: Family Medicine and Primary Care, and an editorial board member for several other journals.

Research Focus: 

Identifying factors and disparities associated with poor medication adherence and risk factor control among patients with cardiovascular disease and stroke. Designing targeted interventions and prediction tools to improve clinical outcomes among these high-risk individuals.​