Emily Dove-Medows is a certified nurse midwife and professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing. Her program of research is focused on ending preventable morbidity and mortality related to racism. She conducts research focused on individual perceptions of the structural and social determinants of population health with the goal of developing interventions at the patient-provider level. Her most recent contribution is focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes by reducing blaming communication within the clinical settings. She has conducted research that explore pregnant Black women’s perceptions of neighborhood disorder, discrimination, and preterm birth, and introduced new qualitative measures of residential segregation.

 Dr. Dove-Medows is a member of the Michigan Maternal Mortality Review Committee and has contributed to current legislation related to Medicaid coverage for doula care and licensure of midwives. She has served as president of the Michigan Affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives and currently serves as legislative co-chair. This fall, she will be inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Nurse Midwives.

Dr. Dove-Medows teaches in the undergraduate nursing program at the University of Michigan, primarily in the Maternity Care clinical areas. She has lectured graduate programs including Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, Public Health, and Psychology programs.

She is a two-time graduate of Wayne State University where she earned her Master’s and PhD in nursing, as well as a two-time graduate of New York University where she earned Bachelor’s degrees from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study and the Rory Meyers College of Nursing.

What is your comfort food? Anything I don’t have to cook! Also doughnuts.

Ali is an Assistant Research Scientist at the U-M School of Nursing, where she conducts quantitative health equity research, primarily focusing on the complex structural, social, and interpersonal factors that act as barriers to health. Ali holds an MPH and PhD in epidemiology from the UM School of Public Health and a BA in chemistry from Grinnell College. While working on her doctoral dissertation, she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer–her research interests and dedication to health equity stem from her experiences as a young adult cancer patient and survivor. Prior to her public health career, she attended the Maryland Institute College of Art and obtained an MFA in painting from CUNY Brooklyn College. Outside of work, she enjoys pottery, word games, going to the beach, and gardening.

What is an animal you wish you could have as a pet? A sloth or a biterang!

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Amina is a senior at the University of Michigan with a degree in Social Theory & Practice and a minor in English. She is interested in studying the effects of urban infrastructure on local culture and health. She is currently working on an Honors Thesis exploring how the club culture of Detroit was affected by the progression of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the mid-80s.Description goes here

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Rand is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, pursuing a degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Arab Muslim American Studies. After graduating, she plans on attending Dental School while continuing to promote equity in oral health. Rand believes that understanding the social and structural factors that contribute to health, especially in underserved communities, is crucial as a future healthcare professional and she is dedicated to advocating for such populations. Outside of school, Rand enjoys knitting, traveling, and hosting game nights. 

What is your comfort food? My comfort food is easily my mom's homemade Lahm Bi Ajeen. It's a popular Middle Eastern dish that is similar to a meat pie or pizza and extra delicious when fresh out of the oven!

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Abby is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, majoring in Biology, Health, and Society. She plans to attend medical school in the future to continue finding ways to improve women's health. Her research interests include maternal health, pediatric medicine, and healthcare disparities. In her free time, Abby enjoys running, watching movies with her friends, and trying new restaurants. 

GRADUATE RESEARCH STAFF

Alessandra (she/her/hers) is a MPH/MSW dual degree student at the University of Michigan. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2017 with a double major in Global Studies and Romance Languages and a minor in Social and Economic Justice. Her current research interests focus on maternal and child health and the relationship between the social determinants of health and health disparities. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, running, and drinking tea.

What is an animal you wish you could have as a pet? A baby Black bear cub! But only if it stayed super small and cuddly.

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Ashley is a junior at the University of Michigan majoring in Biology, Health, and Society. Her research interests are in health disparities, particularly relating to black maternal health. She plans to attend medical school and work in women's health. Through her career, she plans to advocate for equity in healthcare for underrepresented communities domestically and in Western Africa. In her free time, she loves to crochet, watch international dramas, and listen to music.

What is your comfort food? My comfort food is a Nigerian dish called Jollof rice with beef and saki (pronounced shaki) stew. My mom makes the best jollof rice that has a perfect blend of spice and smokiness.

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Ellen is a recent University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Neuroscience and a minor in Social Class and Inequality Studies. She plans to attend medical school in the future to continue to promote the voices of people from every walk of life. Ellen also currently works as a medical assistant in a psychiatry office in Ann Arbor. She is excited to blend her love for the brain, reproductive health, and social determinants of health to provide and improve compassionate healthcare for all people.

What is your comfort food? My comfort food is always ice cream. In the summer by the beach or in the winter under a blanket, I love it all!