SPARK Alumni

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science, Minors in Spanish and Music Performance, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, Class of 2022

Master of Science in Biomedical Science, Assistant in Pathology, University of Toledo, Class of 2024

Sidney graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2022 and pursued graduate education in pathology. Her SPARK project, "An Examination of the Motivators and Barriers to Blood Donation among African-Americans in Lexington, Kentucky" reflects her commitment to achieving health equity within the biomedical sciences. Through her current career as a Pathology Assistant, she explores ways to advance health equity through pathology practice, including reducing barriers to cancer screening and diagnosis, and increasing diversity in clinical research. 

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minors in Cello Performance and Spanish, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2022

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Diversity, Youth and Family Development (DYAD), Michigan State University, Class of 2027

Simone  graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2022 and is pursuing a doctoral degree in human development and family studies. Her SPARK project was entitled "The Role and Impact of Recovery Programs and Community Services on the Recovery and Reintegration of Survivors of Sex Trafficking." Simone's current research interests include understanding the intersectional identity development and identity-based experiences of Black youth within socio-cultural, educational, and family contexts. She seeks to understand how Black children and adolescents make meaning of their identities and experience discrimination at the intersection of race and gender, and the role of gendered racial socialization in promoting positive identity development and adjustment outcomes.Simone is especially interested in participatory research methods that leverage the creativity and imagination of Black youth — allowing them to envision the changes they wish to see in their schools, communities, and the world.

Bachelor of Science in Public Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Class of 2020

Master of Health Administration, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Class of 2024

Hannah graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2020, and again in 2024 with an MHA from the College of Public Health. While pursuing her graduate degree she worked full-time in research administration at the Markey Cancer Center supporting clinical research. Her SPARK project, "Identifying Facilitators and Barriers of Physical Activity in a Rural Trail Town" allowed her to explore a public health issue in her hometown and developed a commitment to health equity research. She is currently a Research Regulatory Specialist in the Markey Cancer Center at UK.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2021

Roberto is passionate about achieving health equity by addressing mental health for historically disadvantaged groups, especially immigrant populations. Through the SPARK program he developed a project, "Riskful drug-use behavior among people who use heroin in Washington Heights" that allowed him to explore justice through research. This experience shaped his long-term career interest in health equity research, and led him to a position as a Clinical Research Coordinator with Massachusetts General Hospital focused on diverse clinical trial recruitment for projects focused on Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. He has presented his work internationally and is currently seeking to further his education in clinical neuropsychology. 

Bachelor of Science in Human Health Science, Minor in Biology, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, Class of 2022

Master of Science in Genetic Counseling, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Class of 2025

Alexis graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2022 with a passion for addressing health equity in her career and future graduate education. Her SPARK project, “Exploring the Association Between Depression, Traumatic Life Events, and Coping Among Incarcerated African American Men” combined key data analysis skills with an exploration of health experiences of a vulnerable group. Alexis carried these skills and her passion throughout the remainder of her undergraduate education and her position as a Project Coordinator with Medpace following graduation. Seeking to further her education while maintaining her focus on health equity, she began her master's program in genetic counseling in the Fall of 2023. Alexis has continued to address equity by championing diversity in the genetic counseling field as well as raising awareness of the need to improve professional practice to address the needs of all populations. 

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2021

Master’s of Science in Medical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Class of 2025

Hope began her research journey in the SPARK program focused on maternal and child health. Her SPARK project, “Adult Education and Childhood Developmental Disorders” explored the association between maternal education levels and child development and implications for parental management of child developmental disorders. He SPARK experience ignited a passion for research to accompany her career in healthcare, and she obtained a research position in the College of Medicine upon graduating in 2021. She is currently earning her masters degree at the University of Kentucky with plans to attend medical school in the future. 

Bachelor of Science in  Biology and Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2025

Riya is in the College of Arts and Sciences where she is double majoring in Biology and Neuroscience. She is interested in a career in the medical field, specifically in the neurosurgery specialty; however, she is also interested in being a Primary Care Physician. Having a CNA Certification and volunteer experience at hospitals has allowed her to strengthen her wish to further a medical career. Her SPARK project, "Investigating Adaptive Equipment Accessibility among the Spinal Cord Injury Population in Rural Kentucky" allowed her to gain experience as a principal investigator on a research project early in her academic career. She has since furthered her research experience through the Markey STRONG Scholars Program and research in the UK Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology. 

Bachelor of Science in Biology, College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences, Kentucky State University (KSU), Class of 2023

Michael graduated from Kentucky State University with a Bachelor's degree in Biology in May 2023. He also volunteers with Circle K International and worked with KSU faculty to re-establish the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students chapter on campus, where he served as Vice President. Through his SPARK project, "Unveiling Dietary Habits of Rural Kentuckians to Inform a Path to Healthier Eating" he gained valuable skills examining self-reported dietary habits to explore the relationship between nutrition, chronic disease, and social determinants of health. Michael is a former participant of the University of Kentucky Neuroscience Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (UKNeu-PREP) and is an aspiring anesthesiologist.

Bachelor of Public Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Class of 2024

Master of Science in Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Class of 2026

Princess is a first-generation international student from Ghana, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Public Health from UK in May 2024. She is passionate about women's health, and her SPARK project "The Race of Health Workers as a Determinant of Black Women's Childbearing Experiences" provided her with in-depth experience qualitatively examining maternal health inequities. After completing the SPARK program she continued her research training through the Markey STRONG Scholars program and working as a research assistant in the UK College of Nursing. During Princess' time at UK she earned numerous accolades including the University of Kentucky Women's Forum 30 under 30 award, and second place in the University of Kentucky UNITE Research Showcase Undergraduate Poster Competition. Her goals include earning MD and MPH degrees and working in the global health field to improve healthcare accessibility for impoverished and underserved communities. 

Bachelor of Public Health degree with a double major in Environmental Sustainability Studies, College of Arts and Sciences and Public Health, Class of 2023

Master of Arts in Geography, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2025

Meron earned a Bachelor of Public Health degree with a double major in Environmental Sustainability Studies in from UK in May 2023. Her SPARK experience allowed her to examine colon cancer, a health issue experienced globally. Her project, "Colon Cancer Risk Factor Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes for African Immigrants" identified unique insights and future research considerations for improving colorectal cancer rates and outcomes for African immigrants. Following her SPARK experience, Meron participated in the Markey STRONG Scholars program, further exploring her interests in cancer research. She hopes to work on projects that apply principles from her main areas of interest: global health and environmental sustainability. She believes that having an interdisciplinary background will prepare her to best serve her community by implementing strategies to achieve health equity and environmental justice. 

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Mathematics, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2024

Sairakshitha Yalla is a first-generation immigrant from India who graduated from the MSTC program at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky. Sai's research interests include cancer screening, which she explored through her SPARK project "Understanding Lung Cancer Screening Resources and Needs in Appalachian Kentucky." Her passion for research continued after the SPARK program and she has presented her work nationally at several conference while also serving as an Undergraduate Research Ambassador at UK. Sai aspires to be a physician-scientist who translates fundamental research into clinical interventions that drive effective and impactful healthcare outcomes.

College: UK College of Human Health Sciences, Class of 2025

Major: Pre-med track

Carey Beth is in the College of Health Sciences and the Lewis Honors College.  Her rural Kentucky upbringing sparked her interest in exploring health disparities. Through her SPARK project, "Exploring Perceptions of Lung Cancer Prevention in Appalachia" returned home to understand her community's through on lung cancer. She was able to present her research findings to her local legislators at the annual Posters-at-the-Capitol event, which she found fulfilling. Carey Beth is the Vice President of Programming for her sorority, Delta Zeta. She hopes to become a physician and own her own medical practice. 

Bachelor of Public Health degree and a minor in health promotion, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Class of 2024

Jade graduated with a Bachelor's of Public Health degree and a minor in health promotion in May 2024. With support from her SPARK mentor she developed a passion for health promotion which she examined through the RELA+E Study developed for her SPARK Project. She undertook qualitative research with Black women to understand their experiences navigating positive HIV status in relationships. Jade has experience as an administrative assistant, substitute teacher, and peer health educator, driven by her passion for community service, sexual health, mental health, and youth development. She plans to pursue a master's degree in health promotion, eventually working in a health department to  reform adolescent health curriculum to ensure it is comprehensive and accessible for impoverished and underserved communities.

Bachelor of Science in  Biology with a minor in Military Science, Kentucky State University, Class of 2025

Ellis Jackson is a first-generation college student who is currently enrolled Kentucky State University. As a SPARKler, he examined the relationship between social determinants of health and chronic disease through his project "Assessment of Social Needs Among Older Adults Diagnosed with T2D Kentucky." which he also presented on nationally. After graduating, Ellis plans to attend medical school in the service to become a Radiation Oncologist. 

Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Mass Communication and Sociology, Kentucky State University, Class of 2024

Segen has a strong commitment to addressing health inequities by combining her transdisciplinary education with her personal experiences. She chose to pursue a SPARK project entitled "Perceptions of Health Care Communication and Trust Related to Colorectal Cancer Screening among Black American Adults" due to her passion for community engagement. She has presented on her work nationally and received several honors during her undergraduate career including the Joyce Dishman Owens Scholarship at the Coretta Scott King Spirit of the Ivy Awards. Segen is an aspiring primary care physician and wants to continue serving overlooked and underrepresented communities. 

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Appalachian Studies, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences and Lewis Honors College, Class of 2025 

Maddie is a student leader passionate about improving rural health outcomes. Her SPARK project "Chronic Conditions with Hearts and Ears in Appalachia Research Study (CCHEARS)" allowed her to explore the comorbidity of cardiovascular disease and hearing loss in a vulnerable rural population. Her SPARK experience provided momentum for her research and leadership career, and she received a research award from the UK Appalachian Center. Maddie is currently Student Body President, the first female from the eastern Kentucky region to be elected to the position. Maddie is actively involved, and a former president, of both the Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) and the Appalachian Health Initiative (AHI) student organizations. Maddie’s research experience focuses on opioid misuse and abuse in rural areas. Her future goals include a career in primary care in Appalachia, where she hopes to promote and provide equitable healthcare for everyone.

Bachelor of Arts in Health, Society, and Populations, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2023

Master of Public Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Class of 2026

Treasure is committed to community-engaged research and understanding experiences with health conditions beyond the data. Her SPARK project, "Uterine Fibroids: Understanding the illness condition" was aimed at understanding the Illness Experience of black women living with uterine fibroids through a mixed-methods study design. During her time at UK she served as the Community Service Chair for UK’s Hues in Medicine, a campus organization for BIPOC students in healthcare, and as a research assistant and a community health equity ambassador.  She is interested in a career in the healthcare field with a focus on preventive care. Her goal is to use the skills gained in health equity research to become a better physician in the future.