2025 Health Disparities Dissemination Science (HDDS) Faculty Summer Fellowship Recipients

Dr. William Suarez II is an agrifood scientist with over 12 years of professional experience and NGO leadership positions in Puerto Rico and abroad. He is highly familiarized with small economies, agrifood systems, sustainable development, and non-tariff measures that impact the right to food. He is a former advisor of the Puerto Rico Delegation on Agricultural Matters for the US-CAFTA-RD. Also he has conducted mixed-methods research and published findings on food insecurity in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and health issues affecting migrant farm workers. His most recent collaboration was included in the book “Latinas/os in New Jersey” published by Rutgers Press.

Bachelor in Agricultural Science (BSA) and master (MSc) in Digestive Physiology & Nutrition, respectively at Mayaguez-Campus, University of Puerto Rico. Postgraduate studies in Education Leadership & Supervision, AGM University; Innovation Entrepreneurship at London School of Business & Finance, United Kingdom (UK); & in International Supply Chain & Logistics in Rotterdam University of Applied Science in the Netherlands. He received a PGRes diploma (MRes) in Social Science Research & and PhD in International Development & Economics Studies, from the University of Bradford, UK.

As an HDDS fellow Dr. Suarez will work to develop a research proposal centered on promoting the fundamental human right to food by ensuring its accessibility, affordability, availability, and adequacy in urban multicultural communities. It explores how food insecurity contributes to increased rates of depression and anxiety, and seeks to advance culturally informed strategies that support nutritional equity and overall well-being. The goal is to reduce health disparities through a rights-based approach to food justice.

Dr. Darcel Reyes, is an Associate Professor at Lehman College, CUNY, and a nationally recognized nurse practitioner and health equity leader. A lifelong advocate for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, Dr. Reyes has dedicated her career to advancing care for underserved communities, particularly people with HIV. She is set to become the first Latina President of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) in November 2025.

Dr. Reyes has led impactful initiatives as editor of HIVLinks, reaching 3,800 clinicians with evidence-based care guidance and the voices of people with HIV. She co-leads an international study on health equity in clinical settings and is a 2024 fellow of both the NYS Health Equity Clinical Leadership Institute and the AACN Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellowship. In 2024, she was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the highest honor a nurse can achieve. At Lehman College, she has developed DEI-focused workshops to address health disparities in the Bronx. She also serves on the NYC Department of Health’s Women’s Health Advisory Board and contributes to leadership development through her roles as a Jonas Scholar and advisory board member.

As a HDDS Fellow Dr. Reyes will work to develop a research proposal that focuses on reducing health disparities among underserved populations by addressing gaps in health literacy and access to care. Building on clinical and research experience with people living with HIV, individuals with substance use disorders, immigrants, and other marginalized groups, the work emphasizes community-driven, evidence-based interventions. The goal is to translate research into practical strategies that improve health equity and outcomes in vulnerable communities.

Dr. Janet Michello is a native New Yorker who grew up in East Harlem and was inspired by her early love of reading at the 125th Street Library. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University, an M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Kent State University, and a Ph.D. in Sociology with a specialization in Medical Sociology through a joint program with Kent State and the University of Akron. Dr. Michello has taught sociology for over 25 years at LaGuardia Community College (CUNY) and currently also teaches at Lehman College (CUNY). A tenured associate professor at LaGuardia Community College, she has served as Sociology Coordinator, developed hybrid and online courses, and actively advises and mentors students. Her research explores racial, ethnic, and gender inequities in health care, education, employment, religion, and quality of life. She has co-authored a book on the sociology of mental illness and is working on a new project examining structural inequities. She recently earned a certificate in Public Health Informatics and Technology from Dominican University.

As an HDDS Fellow Dr. Michello work along with Dr. Nancy Genova to develop a research proposal that addresses the high asthma rates in the South Bronx by implementing community-based educational initiatives and smoking cessation programs aimed at reducing household pollutants and improving living conditions. The study will engage residents through multilingual materials, public forums, and partnerships with local organizations to promote awareness and behavior change. Outcomes will be measured through pre- and post-assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of these low-cost, culturally responsive interventions.

Nancy Genova, B.A., M.P.A. is a Professor in the Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences at Hostos Community College, CUNY, where she leads the Public Policy & Law Unit and serves as Director of Public & Health Care Administration. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Long Island University and a B.A. in Social Work and Fine Arts from Lehman College.

With over 30 years of experience in public administration, particularly in health care, Ms. Genova is a recognized leader and advocate for underserved communities. She developed and directed the Bronx CAPC Initiative at BronxCare Health System (formerly Bronx Lebanon), a nationally recognized model of care. Widely respected as a social activist, her contributions have been highlighted in the NYS AIDS Advisory Council report “Women In Peril: HIV & AIDS – The Rising Toll On Women of Color.”

Ms. Genova is President Emerita of 100 Hispanic Women National, Inc., where she served as Board President from 2015 to 2022. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its reach, strengthened funding, and launched the annual Mind Body Spirit Conference, its signature event. She was appointed to the Human Rights Commission of Rockland County in 2008, and her creative work includes the play The Death of a Dream, which debuted off-Broadway in 2009. Her work has been featured in Latina Magazine, CNN Business, The Daily News, and various digital platforms.

As an HDDS Fellow Dr. Genova work along with Dr. Janet Michello to develop a research proposal that addresses the high asthma rates in the South Bronx by implementing community-based educational initiatives and smoking cessation programs aimed at reducing household pollutants and improving living conditions. The study will engage residents through multilingual materials, public forums, and partnerships with local organizations to promote awareness and behavior change. Outcomes will be measured through pre- and post-assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of these low-cost, culturally responsive interventions.

Dr. Pratyusha Mandal is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Lehman College, CUNY, and a doctoral faculty member in the Biology (MCD) and Biochemistry programs at the CUNY Graduate Center. She earned her Ph.D. in Virology from Purdue University in 2013 and holds a B.Tech in Biotechnology from Haldia Institute of Technology in India.

A trained virologist and immunologist, Dr. Mandal has over a decade of experience investigating host-pathogen interactions, inflammation, and cell death signaling, with extensive work in murine models. Her NIH-funded research (NIAID R15) explores how cell death pathways contribute to inflammation and multi-organ injury, focusing on the therapeutic potential of pathogen-encoded cell death suppressors.

Deeply committed to the translational value of biomedical research, Dr. Mandal addresses infectious and inflammatory diseases affecting underserved communities, particularly in the Bronx. Her lab is currently investigating mammalian immunity in context of pathogenic infections, exposure to tobacco or environmental pollutants and aging processes. Drawing on both scientific expertise and personal experiences with chronic illness, she is dedicated to connecting research discoveries with public health education and community health solutions.

As an HDDS Fellow, Dr. Mandal will work to develop a research proposal that aims to address health disparities linked to tobacco and nicotine use among youth in the South Bronx by developing evidence-based workshops for middle schools, high schools, and community colleges. The workshops will combine scientific data, lab visuals, and cessation strategies to educate vulnerable young adults—particularly in low-income and minority communities—about the health risks of smoking and vaping. Partnering with local institutions and health professionals, this initiative emphasizes community engagement as a vital tool for promoting informed, healthy choices.