The mission of the Minority Health and Health Equity Research Center (MHHERC) at Dillard University is to take a comprehensive approach to advancing research across disciplinary areas, promote collaboration throughout the scientific community, and improve the overall quality of health for racial and ethnic minorities. The Beacon is the official newsletter of the MHHERC.

The nation’s first Certified Lactation Advocates graduate from the Dillard University Health Equity Advocacy in Lactation^TM Professional Program. To watch the graduation ceremony, click here.

The Professional Schools Building on the campus of Dillard University was the site of a milestone graduation for the newly created Health Equity Advocacy in Lactation (HEAL) Professional Program on June 22, 2024. After completing an intensive three-week course, which included clinical training at Touro Medical Center, seventeen graduates walked across the stage to become Certified Lactation Advocates.

HEAL is the first lactation certification program with a health equity focus and the first entry-level lactation certification offered by any university to a broad range of specialties. The program’s inception acknowledges breastfeeding as a crucial element in enhancing maternal health outcomes, particularly among Black women.

An important facet of the HEAL program is its emphasis on addressing preventable mortality and morbidity related to hypertension while striving to diminish racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Through strategic partnerships with Aflac, Southern University Law Center, and DePaul Community Health Centers, students have been equipped with blood pressure machines to educate pregnant women on monitoring their blood pressure at home. This proactive approach empowers women to take charge of their health, ensuring better outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

The program is open to college students pursuing careers in medical, nursing, public health, and allied health fields, whose work will involve the care or counseling of pregnant and nursing parents. The course is recognized by the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee as basic education for breastfeeding educators and counselors. The program’s innovative approach sets a new standard in healthcare education and advocacy, paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system.

To learn more about HEAL, please visit the website at www.duheal.org.

Pictured (l-r): Kenya L. Goodson, PhD and Juliet Nussbaum, MPH

The MHHERC is delighted to announce the addition of Dr. Kenya L. Goodson and Juliet Nussbaum who have been selected to work on the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant aimed at addressing critical environmental justice issues impacting residents in Louisiana's polluted industrial regions.

Dr. Kenya L. Goodson is an esteemed environmental engineer, educator, community organizer, and climate policy advocate. A native of West End Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Dr. Goodson has passionately worked to protect the Black Warrior River, a significant water body in her hometown. She earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Alabama, making history as the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in her department. Her extensive nine-year experience spans wastewater management, stormwater quality, and environmental health, laying a solid foundation for her transition to academia and community engagement. She has imparted her knowledge as faculty at the University of Montevallo and Stillman College, teaching environmental science and other STEM courses.

Currently, Dr. Goodson serves as the Climate and Sustainability Coordinator for Hometown Action/Hometown Organizing Project. In this role, she fosters community relationships and organizes climate resilience initiatives in rural communities affected by climate-related disasters. Her passion for community engagement and policy initiatives will significantly contribute to the NSF CoDA project in Louisiana.

Joining Dr. Goodson is Juliet Nussbaum, a dedicated epidemiologist. Ms. Nussbaum holds a BA in Public Health and an MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of California, Berkeley. Her post-master's career began at the National Public Health Institute of Mexico, where she made significant contributions to reproductive epidemiology and health economics research projects.

With a strong passion for public health and epidemiology, Ms. Nussbaum will also serve as Program Evaluator to the MHHERC. Her dedication to improving public health aligns perfectly with the goals of the NSF grant, promising a significant impact on addressing environmental justice issues in Louisiana's industrial regions.

In an effort to promote health equity, the Minority Health and Health Equity Center has been awarded a $25,000 grant from The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to launch a pioneering initiative – the Student Health Education Corps. The initiative will train students to educate their peers and neighbors in communities surrounding Dillard University about chronic disease prevention and management.

Recognizing the urgent need for health education in academic and community settings affected by health inequities, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills to serve as educators. This approach not only empowers individuals to make informed health choices, but also fosters a peer-driven approach to community well-being. Its emphasis on chronic disease prevention and management aligns with the goal of creating a supportive community committed to fostering a culture of health and well-being.

The Student Health Education Corps will be spearheaded by Ms. Latricia Tillman, Pre-Health Advisor at Dillard University, who says, “The Student Health Education Corps will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap in health literacy, offering a solution to the pressing issue of inadequate health education."

Scheduled to kickoff in March 2025 and conclude the following July, the program's impact is expected to extend beyond the campus borders. By cultivating a community of well-informed individuals, the program aims to initiate a positive ripple effect, contributing to the broader improvement of health and well-being in the surrounding areas.

Known for supporting innovative approaches to health and community well-being, The Blue Cross Foundation has chosen to invest in this transformative project. This collaborative effort with The Minority Health and Health Equity Center exemplifies a shared commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting lasting positive change in the community.

The MHHERC is excited to announce the launch of the Dillard-Tulane Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (DT-SURF) Program. This innovative 8-week internship, created in collaboration with the Tulane University School of Medicine, offers undergraduate students a unique introduction to laboratory research and advanced training opportunities in clinical and basic research pathways.

Selected fellows will receive housing accommodations, a stipend, and hands-on experience working in the laboratory. They will collaborate with peers at various stages of their research and clinical training, providing a rich environment for learning and growth.

The DT-SURF Program was initiated by Dr. Trivia Frazier in her previous role as Lead Researcher with MHHERC. It is jointly spearheaded by Dr. Jay Kolls, the John Deming Endowed Chair in Internal Medicine and director of the Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation and Dr. Heddwen Brooks, chairperson of the Department of Physiology at the Tulane School of Medicine.

“Our goal is to leverage this partnership and establish truly impactful, genuine opportunities for our students at Dillard University. Drs. Kolls and Brooks clearly share in that mission and Tulane is an outstanding partner to kick off such a promising initiative,” said Dr. Michelle R. Smith, MHHERC Director.

During the program, the fellows will be paired with faculty at the School of Medicine conducting research in various areas of interest. The two Dillard student fellows selected for the pilot program are senior Ms. Reion’ne Stewart from New Orleans and sophomore Ms. Epiphany Baker from Leesville, Louisiana.

While the fellowship began on June 3rd and will end on July 31st, the program's impact is expected to extend beyond the initial summer pilot. The intention is to support the fellows for returning opportunities to continue working in the laboratory, encouraging their pursuit of basic science or clinical research within one of the programs offered at the School of Medicine. Over time, the impact of such a program could be substantial in reducing disparities among minority researchers and physician-scientists.

The collaborative efforts between MHHERC and the Tulane University School of Medicine exemplify a shared commitment to creating research pipelines in the greater New Orleans region, fostering opportunities for future minority researchers and healthcare professionals.

A group of Dillard University Pre-Health students recently embarked on a transformative journey with me, visiting select HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) with renowned health professional schools. This unique trip, which also included stops at several iconic Black history sites, aimed to inspire and educate our future health equity leaders.

In this current climate of anti-Blackness, it is important to help students see the connection between slavery, Jim Crow segregation, lynching, and the health inequities many of us and our families experience. It is essential that students witness the impact of Black resistance and resilience in the face of terror and daunting odds. To help facilitate this critical learning this past spring, the Pre-Health Program curated visits to sites such as Africatown Heritage House in Mobile, Alabama; The Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama; and the National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

We honored the past and the legacy of our ancestors who survived and escaped slavery, and those who fought for civil rights and Black power. We also explored the many opportunities awaiting pre-health students at Florida A&M University and Meharry Medical College, institutions that, like Dillard, have been and continue to be on the front lines of the fight for equity.

It is gratifying to realize that our students are readying themselves to take the baton passed down from generation to generation in the struggle to promote health and racial justice. We look forward to expanding the number of students who take advantage of these valuable opportunities to see our rich history firsthand, along with visiting the HBCUs that are well-positioned to help them advance health equity throughout their health careers.

Dr. Kelly Nash has built an illustrious career rooted in her passion for physics and fueled by her commitment to higher education. Currently serving as the Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Dr. Nash exemplifies the significance of a Dillard education on one's professional journey and personal growth.

A Solid Foundation

The New Orleans native graduated from Dillard in 2000. Reflecting on her decision to study physics, Dr. Nash recalls being inspired by her high school years at the historic St. Mary’s Academy in her hometown, where nuns, many of whom were African Americans with advanced degrees in STEM fields, served as her early influences. "I naturally gravitated to physics because it was challenging," she explains. "Having these women as teachers helped set me on the course of my career. I certainly saw in them that being a scientist was possible because they looked like me."

At Dillard, Dr. Nash found a community that nurtured her ambitions and gave her the tools to succeed. Faculty members like Dr. Joe Omojola and Dr. Abdullah Darwish played pivotal roles in her academic journey. "Dr. Omojola challenged me to be my best, teaching me that failure is feedback for improvement," she recalls. "Dr. Darwish helped me understand how physics connects to the world and how to embrace curiosity and resiliency, which has stayed with me throughout my career."

Blazing a Career Path

Having earned an M.S. in Applied Physics from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in Physics from UTSA, Dr. Nash's career in academia began as an Assistant Professor of Physics at UTSA, where she shared her passion for learning and mentoring with her students. Over the years, she transitioned into leadership roles, including her current capacity overseeing the recruitment, evaluation, and professional development of approximately 1,400 faculty members. Additionally, she is a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and conducts research in biophysics, blending her administrative duties with her love for science.

Staying Connected

Dr. Nash remains connected to her alma mater through her life membership with the Dillard University National Alumni Association (DUNAA). She is also committed to supporting current students by offering guidance and support whenever possible. Inspired by her mother, Ms. Linda Nash, who worked at Dillard University for 46 years, Dr. Nash understands the profound impact that dedicated faculty and staff can have on students' lives.

"My mother’s dedication to Dillard students taught me the power of mentorship and support systems," she says. "Her legacy continues to inspire me every day in my own career."

Words of Wisdom

To current scholars, Dr. Nash advises: "Make the most of your undergraduate experience by embracing every opportunity that comes your way. Engage actively in your classes and seek out relationships with your professors—they are valuable resources who can provide mentorship and guidance." Involved in the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the National Society of Black Engineers during her undergraduate years, she further advises, "Get involved in campus organizations and extracurricular activities to develop your leadership skills and build a network of friends and professional contacts."

The recipient of numerous awards for her contributions to science and promotion of inclusiveness in STEM, including the Dillard University Alumni 40–Under–40 Award, Dr. Nash cherishes how the institution helped shape her.

"The lessons I learned at DU, which emphasized community, service, and excellence, continue to guide my professional journey and inspire me to make a positive impact in my field."

Senior Anja Hribljan’s journey from Novi Sad, Serbia, to Dillard University has been marked by determination, passion, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. As a double major in chemistry and physics, she has always been drawn to the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). "Since middle school, I found myself thriving in the field of STEM. Biology, math, chemistry, physics, and computer science were classes I enjoyed," Anja explains. Initially planning to major in chemistry and mathematics at Dillard, a pivotal conversation with Dr. Abdalla Darwish, a professor in the Physics Department, inspired her to declare physics as her second major.

DU: The Right Choice

Anja is a student-athlete who balances her rigorous academic schedule with her passion for tennis. But from the outset, her decision to attend Dillard was about so much more. "It was about attending the university that would be the right fit. When I was coming to Dillard, I was hoping it would be a right fit for tennis, and luckily, it turned out to be. I was even more lucky that Dillard became a right fit for almost every major part of my life,” she acknowledges.

In addition to her athletic and academic commitments, Anja is actively engaged in research at the Laser and Material Science Centre, working alongside her peers and Professor Darwish. As a DUPSI scholar in Pre-Health, she credits Dillard’s supportive environment as instrumental in her success, attributing much of her growth to the dedicated faculty and staff guiding her. "Being a double major and a student-athlete required a lot of work for me, my academic advisors, as well as my professors and mentors.”

One of Anja’s most cherished memories as a Bleu Devil stems from receiving the Billy Ray Hobley Scholarship at the annual scholarship reception. "Before going up on that stage, I thought that receiving this scholarship would have a meaning only for me, but I was so wrong. Getting up on that stage earned me a bigger applause than what the other two students got before me, and I wondered why,” she recalls. “Upon getting back to my seat people told me I am the first one to win the award in the history of Dillard tennis and smaller sports." This moment highlighted her personal achievements as well as the impact of the university’s lesser-recognized sports programs.

Anja's Next Steps

As she approaches graduation and consults with trusted advisors to determine the best path forward, Anja is confident that pursuing a Ph.D. is in her future. "I always joke with my mentors that I need that ‘Dr.’ in front of my name and then we will go from there," she says. What’s certain is that the experiences and opportunities provided by Dillard have laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors. From publishing papers, attending international conferences, and networking with renowned researchers, Anja has leveraged every opportunity to prepare for her next steps, including giving back to the institution that has given her so much. She hopes to pay it forward and become a mentor herself, following in the footsteps of notable physics alumni like Dr. Kelly Nash and Dr. Trivia Frazier.

In the meantime, Anja has made her own mark at the university and is already well-equipped for what lies ahead. “Dillard will not hand you your future, but the Dillard community will certainly guide you if you are bold enough to take new steps into the unknown.”

Dillard University

Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center

2601 Gentilly Blvd

PSB - Suite 307

New Orleans, Louisiana 70122

504.816.4001