SPARK Program

UK Faculty Mentor: Olufunmilola Abraham, PhD, MS, BPharm

Research topic: "Dance as Medicine:  Impact of a Culturally Specific Gospel Afrobeat Program on Physical Activity."

Maiya is a sophomore from Richmond, Kentucky, studying Public Health and Neuroscience with plans to attend medical school. Her interest in improving health outcomes for families through education-based interventions began through her work with the Families Moving Together research team in the College of Health Sciences. She also developed an interest in medication use and patient outcomes through her experience as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Maiya is excited to continue expanding her research skills and to contribute to advancing community wellbeing through the SPARK program. On campus, she is involved in Phi Delta Epsilon, Movement Mentors, Premedical Women’s Society, and Kentucky Rural Health Association. 

UK Faculty Mentors: Melinda Ickes, Ph.D. and Delvon Mattingly, Ph.D.

Research topic: "Does oral nicotine pouch exposure, in retail and digital environments, influence youth’s marketing appeal, perceived harm, and susceptibility to use in Kentucky?"

Karmen Parker is from Louisville, Kentucky and is currently a sophomore at the University of Kentucky. She is part of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Lewis Honors College and the UK BLUE Law Society. She aspires to attend the University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law and become a medical attorney. Her main research focal point stems from spreading equality and equity in healthcare resources to all. She believes that becoming a medical law/regulatory compliance attorney will ensure that laws and regulations are followed appropriately, to ensure that people obtain the care they need effectively and with purpose. Through the SPARK program, she hopes to sharpen and solidify her research skills to later produce and publish research of her own that can aid communities in need of justice.

UK Faculty Mentor: Justin X. Moore, Ph.D.

Research topic: "Cervical Cancer Screening Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among South Asian Women in Kentucky. Cervical Cancer Screening Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among South Asian Women in Kentucky. "

Shreya is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky studying neuroscience and public health. Originally from rural Eastern Kentucky, she is passionate about addressing health disparities and improving access to education and care in underserved communities. She is the treasurer of the Student Public Health Association and a volunteering committee member with the Kentucky Rural Health Association. Her academic interests center on the intersection of medicine and public health with a long-term goal of pursuing a career as a physician. Through the SPARK program, she aims to build research and leadership skills and contribute to work addressing inequities in rural and underserved communities. 

UK Faculty Mentor: Rachel Farr, Ph.D.

Research topic: "Physical and Mental Well-being of Asian Youth in Kentucky: The Roles of Ethnic Exploration and Family (Kentucky Asian Youth Study)

Bella is a sophomore from Owensboro, Kentucky studying Public Health and is a student in the Lewis Honors College, with plans to attend law school after graduation. She hopes to integrate her passion for health promotion and civic engagement into a future career focused on advancing optimal health through policy and law. Through the SPARK program, Bella seeks to develop a strong understanding of the social determinants of health in order to better address the needs of underserved populations. She is deeply committed to promoting physical activity and improving access to active lifestyles, as reflected through her campus involvement with the Movement Mentors Club, her role as a group fitness instructor, and her work as a research assistant with the Active Girls Healthy Women and Families Moving Together projects. She hopes to use all of these experiences to advance health and wellbeing.