Join the HERL Team

We would love to have you join our research lab. Come by one of our meetings or email Professor Drake for more information.

Assistant Professor, Public Health

Alexandria Drake

Putting public health into action through community engagement and research.

MISSON & GOALS

It is our goal to improve the health and well-being of the University of Puget Sound and the greater Tacoma community.

The Health Equity Research Lab is housed within the Master of Public Health program but is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of background or area of study.

Our Current Projects

Public health noticeboard
Mental Health Education Material in Collaboration with Pediatrics Northwest

We are partnering with Pediatrics Northwest (a local pediatric clinic) to design materials discussing mental health screenings of pediatric patients. Mental health screenings are a standard screening that the clinic conducts but there can be confusion with families about the purpose of the screening. We are developing health education materials that will eventually be used in Pediatrics Northwest clinics.

Students seated outside McIntyre Hall
Campus Health Climate Focus Groups

The Campus Health Climate Focus Groups aim to identify key topics and priority areas related to physical, mental, and social health among students at the University of Puget Sound. During our meetings, we discuss topics for the focus groups, develop recruitment strategies, and then implement them. By gathering data on physical health behaviors, mental health challenges, and access to healthcare resources, the focus groups will provide crucial insight into the health climate on campus. Results will be used to tailor future outreach and education topics for the Health Equity Research Lab, the MPH Program, and the broader campus community.

Students and teacher in classroom

Upcoming Meeting Dates

In the Fall 2024 semester we meet every Tuesday from 2:30-3:45 p.m. in McIntyre 109 (Battin Lounge)

Current Lab Members

Alexandria Drake
Assistant Professor, Public Health

Areas of Interest: Health promotion, harm reduction, & substance use

Meet Alexandria
Ember Reed
Ember Reed
MPH Student

Areas of Interest: Community Safety, Equity, & Practical Ethics

Pratibha Thomas
Pratibha Thomas
MPH Student

Areas of Interest: Injury Prevention, Pain Management, Global Health Promotion

Nafiseh Najmafshar
Nafiseh Najmafshar
MPH Student

Areas of Interest: Health promotion, Oral health

Nicole Hirao
Nicole Hirao
MPH Student

Areas of interest: Health and the built environment, structural racism and its effects on health

Alumni Members

Anna Chacon
Anna Chacon

Areas of Interest: Health Promotion, Health Equity in underrepresented communities

Ben Helms
Ben Helms

Areas of Interest: Evidence to inform health policy, violence prevention, and solutions to homelessness

Emily Hersh
Emily Hersh

Areas of Interest: Health communication, environmental health, food security

Darius Kodapare
Darius Kodapare

Areas of Interest: Promote health through physical exercises, healthy dieting, & good relaxation

 Morgan Whittington
Morgan Whittington

Areas of Interest: Areas of Interest: Maternal health & global health