Embedded Scholar
At the heart of the SSNE-STaR Center are our dedicated scholars, who are embedded within Arizona’s safety net health organizations. These scholars come from diverse backgrounds and are united by a passion for improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Over the course of two years, they will work on innovative research projects focused on addressing health disparities, promoting equity, and enhancing healthcare delivery in populations most in need.
Fall 2024 - Spring 2026 Cohort and Projects
Dr. Leah Hillier, MD
Dr Hillier is interested in equitable access to guideline-concordant knee osteoarthritis treatment, particularly how health insurance policies & processes and out-of-pocket costs disproportionately restrict access to evidence-based care.
Jessica Chee-Williams, PhD
Jessica Williams is to be conducting a Comparative Effectiveness research for infants with Cleft Palate.
Dr. Leen Naji, MD, PhD
Dr. Naji is interested in evaluating predictors of treatment outcomes for patients receiving medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.