Interview with Dr. Monica Ferrini, Dean of COSH( continued)
mentor used to say,“ The mentee has to go further than the mentor,” and that’ s how science moves forward. I want to interact with students as much as possible.
Does the community that the University serves in South Los Angeles offer special research and training opportunities? And if so, please describe some of them.
Our university is situated in a unique location in South Los Angeles, and our primary goal in the College of Science and Health is to make a genuine effort towards eliminating health disparities in the area. Our students are required to conduct research and participate in community service activities, all of which must be centered in under-resourced areas. We are currently working on expanding the Cynthia Davis Lifelong Learning Institute for Community Transformation( CDLLICT). This Institute offers opportunities for students to engage in community-based research and serve the community through various activities.
One example is the Department of Health and Life Sciences, led by Dr. Jorge Artaza. In the Bachelor’ s in Biomedical Sciences Degree Program, some students choose to research the concept of a“ food desert” in our local area, analyzing the effects of limited access to healthy food on the community’ s health. Additionally, they participate in related activities such as food bank programs and other food systems initiatives.
Students pursuing a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences conduct research on topics related to health disparities and are required to complete a year-long thesis. Irrespective of their subject matter, all research projects must address health disparities, even students working on basic science research topics such as cancer, cardiometabolic research, substance abuse, or mental health research. The Physician Assistant program, led by Dr. Lucy Kibe, and the Department of Urban Public Health’ s programs, led by Dr. Sondos Islam, conduct community-based research projects.
At COSH, every research project strongly connects with the community and community faculty. who collaborate with food banks and other related activities to study the link between diet and disease.
I am also encouraging our undergraduates and graduates to participate in learning service trips to the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Mexico. I look forward to increasing opportunities for our students to study and provide services abroad.
What areas within the COSH system do you think offer the best potential as CDU continues to grow and shape future healthcare leaders?
We strive to enhance and create novel programs. Our goal is to produce graduates who can lead not just in their respective fields but also in forging new paths in health delivery systems and promoting diversity in the healthcare workforce. We obtained funding from CZI, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, to develop a genetic counseling program. We also received funding for the Biomedical Sciences Enrichment Program( BSEP). The BSEP program offers workshops in professional development and emotional intelligence and opportunities for students to connect with mentors and secure internships in Biotech and Biopharma. In the first cohort of the BSEP, twelve students were able to secure internships.
We are thrilled to announce that INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has awarded our program the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. We are honored to be featured in the September 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine alongside 79 other deserving recipients. This award recognizes colleges and universities that support and encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Our college is growing with the introduction of certificate programs in radiologic technology. Prof. Eugene Hasson leads the development of computed tomography and medical resonance imaging certificates. These programs address the community’ s needs and provide students with the opportunity to quickly secure meaningful employment.
What is your vision for COSH, and how does the college serve to complement the university’ s aspiration to be a national leader in the disciplines under your umbrella?
We concentrated on five key areas as we engaged in the strategic planning process. First, achieving
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 26