Melissa DeJonckheere is the lead investigator of MYHealth and an Assistant Professor in the University of Michigan’s Department of Family Medicine. Her research focuses on community-engaged and adolescent-centered approaches to health equity. From her experience teaching adolescents in an under-resourced special education classroom, she is driven to actively mentor youth to make the transition to college and pursue science careers. She likes to spend most of her time outside and talking to her dogs.

Lisa Vaughn is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and of Educational Studies at the University of Cincinnati. Lisa’s research focuses on group process and participatory and qualitative methodologies that engage community stakeholders in the research process. She has cultivated several successful CBPR community-academic partnerships and has concrete expertise in establishing co-researcher and youth-driven models of research engagement. When not working, Lisa loves to do collage art and spend time with her kids at musical and theater performances. She is currently taking tap dance lessons to further embarrass her teenager!

Tammy Chang is an Associate Professor in the University of Michigan Department of Family Medicine and the founding director of MyVoice. MyVoice is the text message poll that is used in MYHealth to collect data from a large, national sample of youth. She actively mentors numerous students to fill the pipeline of future health researchers. She loves being in nature, hanging out with her family, and eating ice cream!

Matt Diemer is a Professor of Education in the Combined Program of Education and Psychology at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on how historically marginalized young people develop and how they challenge external barriers in school, work, and politics. He is working on a place-based STEM education program in Southeast Michigan that emphasizes the relevance of science for the cultures and communities of young people. In his free time he likes to coach youth soccer and play in “old man” soccer leagues.

Alison Allen has over five years of experience conducting educational research in formal and informal settings with school leaders, teachers, and students. At Rockman, she primarily works on evaluations of projects related to STEM education and teacher development. In her free time she loves to play with her kids in nature and visit coffee shops around town.

Jaime has spent years working with community organizations, nonprofits, housing associations, and local businesses at the local level to support street play on low-rise estates. Jaime uses participatory and art-based frameworks, storytelling in music, movement, and dance, and nature-based methodologies to partner with and empower organizations and community members who are ready to engage and expand the horizons of childhood.

Sam Chuisano is the MYHealth program manager and a Research Specialist in the Department of Family Medicine at University of Michigan. Her research interests include chronic illness, maternal-child health, and underrepresented groups. Outside of work, you can find Sam spending time with her dog Lily in the summers and bundled up quilting or knitting in the winter.

Juniar Lucien is a research analyst in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan. She uses qualitative and mixed methods to understand people’s experiences in STEM education and health sciences research. Juniar enjoys gardening, cooking, painting, and spending time with her family and friends in her free time.

Annika is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan majoring in Biology, Health, and Society and is from the Chicago area.

Jennifer is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, majoring in Gender and Health on the Pre-Med track. Jennifer is passionate about advocating for patients who experience health disparities. She is from Chicago, IL and enjoys exploring new places and spending time with family and friends.

Bianca Barraza is an undergraduate student at University of Michigan from Chicago, IL. Bianca’s intended major in Public Health while on a Pre-PA track.

Ashley is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan from Boston, MA. She is studying Gender and Health, and Community Action and Social Change. Ashley is passionate about health policy, and addressing health disparities in marginalized communities. In her free time, she enjoys gymnastics and knitting.

Blessing is a research assistant for MYHealth and a graduate student in the University of Cincinnati Master’s of Psychology program. She’s worked on clinical research projects focused on health disparities and artificial intelligence as well as Youth Participatory Action Research Programs. She is driven to increase diversity in STEM fields and provide research opportunities for students belonging to historically underrepresented groups in STEM.

Hasan is a student at the University of Michigan studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. He was born and raised in Michigan and enjoys playing sports, working out, and spending time with his friends and family. Hasan aspires to be a doctor who also serves as a mentor for those with an interest in medicine.

Cindy is an upperclassman at the University of Michigan, majoring in Biology, Health, and Society and minoring in Sociology of Health and Medicine. Cindy is passionate about advocating for equitable health care. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, making music, and spending time with her loved ones.

Rafee is a student at the University of Michigan studying Biology, Education, and Complex Systems. He was born in Baltimore, MD and grew up in the area his entire life. For fun, he enjoys playing soccer, speedsolving Rubik’s Cubes, cooking, and thrifting. In the future, he wants to pursue an MD/MPP to work as a physician and also guide education policy.

Keji is a freshman undergraduate student at the University of Michigan. Keji was born and raised in Michigan and originally connected with Dr. DeJonckheere as a high school student in the Wolverine Pathways program.

Arul is an undergraduate student majoring in Community & Global Public Health student from Canton, MI. In his free time, Arul enjoys biking, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. He hopes to pursue a career as a primary care physician in the future.

Liv is a junior undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, majoring in Cognitive Science and minoring in Computer Science. She is passionate about researching cognition, with a focus on reducing disparities of underrepresented communities in research studies. Liv is from the East Lansing area, and loves to crochet, read, and spend time outdoors.

Fouzaan is an undergraduate student at University of Michigan studying Economics & Biomolecular sciences. Fouzaan grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and in his free time enjoys fishkeeping and cooking.

Fardin is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan studying Biomolecular Science. He is passionate about bridging gaps between resources and marginalized communities, especially when it comes to health outcomes.

Hannah Knoll graduated from the University of Michigan in 2023 and received her degree in Biology, Health, and Society. She plans to apply to medical school. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her friends and family, biking, reading, and playing with her two dogs!

Preksha is a Master of Health Informatics student at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, as well as pursuing a Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She was born in India and has worked for two-plus years as a Primary Care Physician. She is passionate about making an impact in the Healthcare industry and loves swimming, dancing, and traveling a lot.