Our Team

Our multidisciplinary team at the Southwest Safety Net Embedded Scientist Training and Research (SSNE-STaR) Center brings together experts from a variety of fields, united by a common goal: to advance health equity for underserved populations. Together, we provide leadership, mentorship, and support to scholars as they conduct groundbreaking research and translate findings into impactful solutions for Arizona's most vulnerable communities.

Dr. William Riley, PhD

Co-Director, SSNE-STaR Center

Dr. Riley leads the SSNE-STaR Center with a focus on evidence-based research and the rapid implementation of findings into real-world practice. His extensive experience in safety net health systems ensures the center's work directly benefits disadvantaged populations.

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Dr. Michael White, MD

Co-Director, SSNE-STaR Center

As an accomplished healthcare leader, Dr. White brings years of expertise in clinical leadership and healthcare delivery improvement, guiding scholars to integrate research with actionable outcomes in safety net organizations.

Dr. Roshini Moodley Naidoo, MD

Co-Director, Administration Core

Dr. Naidoo leads recruitment efforts and supports scholar and implementer enrollment while coordinating administrative functions to maintain alignment across all partner institutions.

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Dr. Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, PhD

Director, Research Education Core (REC)

Dr. Ohri-Vachaspati heads the Research Education Core, overseeing the academic curriculum and training scholars to become independent scientists in patient-centered and comparative effectiveness research.

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Dr. Matt Martin, PhD

Co-Director, Administration Core

Dr. Martin ensures the smooth operation of the SSNE-STaR Center and facilitates collaborations with healthcare systems to foster rapid implementation of research findings.

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Dr. Adela Grando, PhD

Co-Director, Research Education Core (REC)

Dr. Grando co-leads the educational efforts with a focus on ensuring that scholars are equipped with the clinical and research tools necessary to address health disparities through innovative solutions. The REC Team will guide scholars in project selection and support their SSNE-STaR education.

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Dr. Anita Murcko, MD

Co-Director, Research Education Core (REC)

Dr. Murcko co-leads the educational efforts with a focus on ensuring that scholars are equipped with the clinical and research tools necessary to address health disparities through innovative solutions. The REC Team will guide scholars in project selection and support their SSNE-STaR education.

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Dr. Marisa Domino, PhD

Director, Research and Data Analysis Core (RDAC)

Dr. Domino manages the RDAC, providing scholars with access to high-quality data resources and supporting them in conducting rigorous research on healthcare systems and outcomes.

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