CHET Trainees

Bright Amuzu is an undergraduate a student at Hampton University studying psychology on the pre-med track. He is a member of CHET primary faculty member Justin Moore's lab, and his research interests center on neurology, cancer biology, and the intersection between neurological disorders and disease pathology (Neuro-Oncology). He has a growing focus on translational and community-engaged research, and is particularly interested in bridging laboratory research with real-world health outcomes in underserved communities and diverse populations. He plans to pursue an MD/PHD integrating clinical practice with scientific investigation.

bright.amuzu@my.hamptonu.edu

Gaby Beharry is a third-year medical student at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and a member of CHET primary faculty member Dr. Justin's Moore's lab. Her research interests include dermatologic health disparities, particularly how race and skin-tone complexion shape melanoma risk perception and prevention behaviors. She has pursued this interest through a recent study, "Exploring the relationship between race and skin-tone complexion with the perception of melanoma skin cancer risk along with the mediating effects of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors."

Gabriella.Beharry@uky.edu

Madelyn Blakey is a freshman volleyball player at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, majoring in biology on the pre-med track. She is a member of CHET primary faculty member Dr. Justin Moore's lab, and her current research project examines historical redlining and its relation to the outcomes of colorectal cancer patients in Kentucky. She is interested in pursuing a career in clinical oncology. 

madelyn.blakey@uky.edu

Email: Caitlyn.grunert@uky.edu

Carleigh Litteral, MS, is a third-year PhD student in Experimental Psychology – Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Kentucky. Her interest in addiction research is shaped by both scientific training and lived experience, including her own recovery, and she continues to work as a patient engagement specialist in a substance use treatment center—experience that keeps her research grounded in real-world recovery and strengthens her commitment to bridging neuroscience with community-relevant prevention and intervention.

Her research focuses on why substance use problems cluster within families and how social stressors shape risk, onset, and persistence over time. Using large datasets and advanced quantitative methods, she examines how family history density predicts substance use initiation and duration, as well as broader familial patterns in substance use disorders—including shared vulnerability, comorbidity, substance preferences, and treatment-seeking. She also investigates the role of discrimination and chronic stress physiology in alcohol use disorder risk, explores how anxiety may influence the link between impulsivity and substance use across the menstrual cycle, and studies how discrimination and LGBTQ+ community belongingness relate to substance use among sexual and gender minority adults. Carleigh aims to build a translational research program that identifies actionable targets for prevention and earlier intervention.

Email: Carleigh.litteral@uky.edu

Email: Meera.marji@uky.edu

Valeria Miranda is a second-year medical student at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine - Northern Kentucky Campus who works in CHET primary faculty member Justin Moore's lab. She is originally from New York City and outside of school loves spending time with her family and cooking. Her research interests focus on health disparities and community engaged work. She is currently working on a community based participatory research project with a fellow medical student that examines the relationship between skin complexion and perceived risk of melanoma among people of color.

Valeria.Miranda@uky.edu

Tristan Ntego is a graduate student earning his masters in Health Administration from the College of Public Health and is a member of CHET primary faculty member Dr. Justin Moore's lab. His research focuses on health disparities, substance use, mental health, and health communication, with a particular emphasis on the lived experiences of marginalized populations. He examines how structural factors such as racism, stigma, discrimination, and socioeconomic instability shape health behaviors, treatment engagement, and health outcomes. Several of his projects explore psychosocial mechanisms, including existential wellbeing, interpersonal relationships, and perceived stigma, that influence barriers to care and recovery. He also conducts applied public health research evaluating population-level interventions and health communication strategies. 

Tristan.ntego@uky.edu

Kanyitochi Orazulike is a first-year undergraduate Product Design major in the College of Design at the University of Kentucky, born in Virginia and raised in Nigeria. He recently joined the Center for Health, Engagement and Transformation (CHET) as an Undergraduate Student Assistant. He has experience working for the International Oil Consulting firm Spectrum Global Marine Services Limited located in Nigeria, as well as interning under Union Systems Limited. Kanyitochi hopes to become an industrial designer working under athletic brands to develop apparel and equipment that help support injuries and common problems. He plans to focus on using sustainable materials and making the equipment readily available to consumers. He hopes to use this experience here to grow and diversify his knowledge about health issues while supporting CHET using his personal experience. 

kcor223@uky.edu

Dr. Ray’s research interests include maternal-child environmental health with a focus on tobacco policy and infant feeding practices.

Email: Robin.ray@uky.edu

Email: Haily.traxler@uky.edu