Scientific Research
CIHE is tasked with promoting and conducting health disparities and health equity research. To do so, it has prioritized the following aims:
Promote data disaggregation and data analytics using secondary data analyses and the use of big data to explore inequalities in health outcomes and the causes and pathways associated with inequalities.
Promote research that encompasses the continuum of research activities, from basic through applied research, including but not limited to health services research, population-health, and intervention sciences to improve the health of priority populations and/or reduce health disparities.
Promote the understanding of the causes of health disparities related to structural inequalities to reduce or eliminate health differences to inform decision-makers and impact policy change.
Develop approaches to reduce the gap between science and practice by promoting the dissemination of evidence-based interventions into communities experiencing health disparities as well as translating research findings into diverse types of formats and audiences.
Funded Research
CUNY PIs: Dr. Maria Isabel Roldós, DrPH, Lehman College and Dr. Judith Aponte, PhD, RN, CDE, CCM, APHN-BC, FAAN, Hunter College
Collaborator: Institute for Family Medicine
Goals and objectives
The overall goal of Toward a Healthier Bronx is to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities in the Bronx by strengthening evaluation capacity, fostering community-driven assessment, and enhancing collaboration among key stakeholders. PIs developed the long-term evaluation blueprint with clear measurement indices and tracking mechanisms, provided subject-matter expertise to ensure culturally relevant evaluation strategies, trained community advisory committees on the evaluation framework, and engaged in regular meetings with Bronx Health REACH to assess progress and refine strategies.
Funder: Institute for Family Health (IFM) with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Status: Completed
Partnership:
Six Hispanic Serving Institutions- The University of New Mexico (UNM), New Mexico State University (NMSU), Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), City College, The City University of New York (CCNY-CUNY), Lehman College-CUNY and Hostos Community College-CUNY.
CUNY Co-PIs:
Dr. Ramona Hernández, PhD, City College of New York
Dr. Yoel Rodríguez, PhD, Hostos Community College
Dr. Antonios Varelas, PhD, Hostos Community College
Dr. Maria Isabel Roldós, DrPH, Lehman College
Coordinator:
Ms. June Townes
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the HSI-Hubs project, “Intersectionality as Inquiry and Praxis: Race, Class, Gender, and Ethnicity for Student Success in STEM,” is to drive systemic change by embedding intersectionality into institutional policies, faculty development, and student support to foster lasting equity and inclusion.
HIS Hubs Project Website: https://hsistemintersectionality.com/
For more information about activities related to this grant see: Events page (hyperlink to events page 2024)
Funder: National Science Foundation
Status: On Going
PIs:
Dr. Maria Isabel Roldós, DrPH, Lehman College
Dr. Judith Aponte, PhD, RN, CDE, CCM, APHN-BC, FAAN, Hunter College
Health Investigators:
Mia Budescu, PhD, Department of Psychology, Lehman College
Martin Downing, PhD, Department of Psychology, Lehman College
Tailisha Gonzalez, PhD, Health Equity, Administration, and Technology (HEAT), Lehman College
Coordinator:
Ms. Yaddy Valerio
Collaborators:
Marie Curie High School for Medicine Nursing and Health - mchsbronx.org
Step Program Lehman School of Education - Lehman STEP Program
College Now - College Now
Goals and objectives:
The purpose of this project is to raise the enrollment of Bronx high school students in health sciences by providing them with enriched learning opportunities that address health issues in their community. Through professional development of high school teachers and curriculum enhancement, this project will increase knowledge in topics such as: T2D diabetes, adolescent mental health, STDs and HIV prevention, sleep health and community health and health disparities. Furthermore, engage with public health professionals through community forums, gaining insight into career pathways and workforce challenges and develop a high school-to-college pathway and fosters community engagement. Students receive training in data analysis and research methods, supported by Lehman College programs, near-peer mentoring, and summer research opportunities
The project is linked to the Lehman College STEP program and is targeting the students at Marie Curie High School for Medicine, Nursing, and Health Professions.
Funder: National Institutes of Health – NIGMS - Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA)
Media: BronxTimes
Status: Ongoing
PIs:
Dr. Maria Isabel Roldós, DrPH, Lehman College
Dr. Amy White, EdD, Lehman College
Dr. Mohan Vinjamuri, DSW, Lehman College
Dr. Joseph Quiñones, PhD, Lehman College
Coordinator:
Ms. Caroline Davis
Partners:
BronxCare Health System - https://www.bronxcare.org/
#Not62 – The Campaign for A Healthy Bronx
Goals and Objectives:
This two-year project examines factors affecting access to substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health (MH) services in the Bronx, focusing on health disparities. Using a Health Disparities (HD) Research Framework, it will identify barriers, assess service coordination, and enhance cultural responsiveness to improve care quality and equity. Researchers will also analyze Medicaid claims, community input, and patient experiences to recommend strategies for improving SUD and MH access.
Aligned with CMS Behavioral Health Strategy priorities, the project aims to reduce overdose rates, enhance treatment engagement, and promote culturally responsive care. Findings will inform policies that advance health equity and improve outcomes for underserved Bronx communities.
Media: Prior Grantees | CMS
Funder: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS Office of Minority Health administers the Minority Research Grant Program (MRGP).
Status: Ongoing
