Projects
Projects by Dr. Denise Hernandez, Graduate Research Assistant: Joseph Hammonds, Undergraduate Research Assistant: Kristal Garci, and Undergraduate Research Assistant: Cassandra Davila
Kristal Garcia
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Advisor: Dr. Denise Hernandez
Show Kristal Garcia's Bio
Kristal Garcia, a first-generation undergraduate student at UTA, serves as a Research Assistant under Dr. Hernandez. Pursuing a degree in public health, Kristal’s interest centers on women’s reproductive and maternal health in underdeveloped communities. Passionate about promoting health equity, Kristal is dedicated to understanding and addressing women’s challenges in underserved areas. Alongside research, she is interested in health promotion and education, aspiring to become a health educator and community health worker in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. Kristal’s commitment to making a meaningful impact in public health reflects her dedication and academic excellence at UTA.
Cassandra Davila
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Advisor: Dr. Denise Hernandez
Show Cassandra Davila's Bio
Cassandra Davila is a first-generation student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She is a third year Honors undergraduate at the University of Texas at Arlington. She is working with Dr. Hernandez on her Honors Research Capstone Thesis for Fall 2024. Cassandra’s interest lies within health administration and emergency management. She is passionate about breaking down and understanding barriers and challenges of underserved populations and areas. Cassandra’s eagerness to make a difference demonstrates her passion for public health. Cassandra is planning to attend the University of North Texas to pursue their Master’s program in Emergency Management.
Joseph Hammonds
Graduate Research Assistant
Advisor. Dr. Denise Hernandez
Show Joseph Hammonds's Bio
Hi, my name is Joseph Hammonds I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was raised in Dallas, Texas. I graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Health. I’m currently a Public Health Graduate student concentrated in epidemiology. Once I graduate, I want to be an epidemiologist.
Mobilizing communities to strengthen resilience using a Community Asset Inventory Dashboard (CAssI Dashboard)
Funded by the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
This project recognizes that community resilience is not a one-size-fits all concept, and efforts to strengthen resilience must consider the unique characteristics, needs, and vulnerabilities of each community. Using a participatory method approach, this project seeks to identify opportunities for growth while highlighting existing community assets and empowering communities to take ownership of their resilience-building efforts.
Train and EMPOWER A Community Health workforce to achieve equity and reduce disparities in mental health (TEACH)
Funded by National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
The goal of this project is to develop a generalizable model to ensure that racial and ethnic minorities and low-income populations experiencing disparities receive services consistent with evidence-based guidelines for the identification and management of behavioral health disorders.
Rural Age Friendly CHW Training Program
Funded by The John A. Hartford Foundation
Agreement with the National Rural Health Association & The John A. Hartford Foundation
This project is Phase I of a larger project to develop and implement a community-based approach to address healthy aging in rural communities. Phase I consists of the development of training curriculum, testing of the content, and revisions based on feedback. The trainings developed will be used in NRHA’s proposal for the pilot project testing and continuation of the Initiative.
The landscape of the Texas Community Health Worker workforce and implications for sustainability
Funded by Episcopal Health Foundation
Agreement between the University of Texas at Arlington, Episcopal Health Foundation, and the Texas Department of State Health Services
This goal of this project is to conduct a statewide assessment that will provide a comprehensive understanding of the landscape of the Texas CHW workforce with the purpose of identifying strategies to sustain CHW programs. Results of the survey will help to understand the perspectives of CHWs and CHW employers believed to be critical in developing effective approaches for workforce sustainability and policy development.