The Maternal and Child Health Translational Research Team (MCHTRT) is a committed, collaborative group of community partners, advocates, practitioners, decision-makers, students, staff and faculty who co-create and advance research, training, and practice that improves maternal child health outcomes and health equity in Arizona.
Our vision is to build a community of practice for MCH in Arizona and accelerate research and evaluation, training and practice for marginalized and underserved MCH populations.
Advance research across the translational spectrum for MCH populations
Within 3 years, obtain increased funding for MCH research in at least two of the target areas: first 1000 days, behavioral health of children and mothers, children with special health care needs, childhood obesity prevention, opioid crisis and social determinants of health
Increase the dissemination of transdisciplinary translational findings
College of Health Solutions at ASU
MCHTRT LEADERSHIP
Cady Berkel is an Associate Professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University, and is affiliated faculty with ASU's REACH Institute. She received her bachelor's from George Washington University and doctorate from the University of Georgia. Berkel focuses on reducing health disparities (including substance use, mental health, HIV and other STIs, and obesity) through research on the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based programs in community settings, health care and court systems. She also conducts basic research on risk (e.g., discrimination and poverty) and resilience (e.g., racial/ethnic socialization, identity, and cultural values) mechanisms associated with health disparities.
Corrie Whisner is an Associate Professor of Nutrition in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. Her journey in MCH began as an undergraduate research assistant on studies aiming to improve child and adolescent bone health. She is fascinated by periods of rapid growth and development and eager to understand how nutrition and the microbiome interact to help mothers and children stay healthy and thrive.
Kiara Lyons, Ph.D., is a Presidential Postdoctoral Scholar at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions and Co-Director of the Maternal and Child Health Translational Research Team (MCHTRT). Her research focuses on mental and behavioral health equity, with specific interests in adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and improving fatherhood support in MCH. Her passion includes going back to the foundation of epidemiological research and re-evaluating methodological efforts in examining mental health outcomes. A long-term goal of Dr. Lyons is to strengthen relationships between public health practice, research, and communities in efforts to appropriately bridge gaps in MCH equity.
Ehiremen (Ehi) Azugbene is a Presidential Postdoctoral Scholar with the Maternal and Child Health Translational Research Team (MCHTRT) at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. Her research focus is on addressing the maternal healthcare needs of underserved BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) populations, with an emphasis on refugee and immigrant communities. Her research encompasses various aspects of maternal and child health (MCH), including health literacy, health disparities, healthcare utilization, health policy, health services, and global health.
Liz Alonso is an Implementation Coordinator at the REACH Institute (Department of Psychology) and the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. She joined ASU in 2017 with a background in parent education, child development, community resources, case management and care coordination. One of the concentrations in her current role is to engage and maintain partnerships for the Maternal Child Health Translational Research Team (MCHTRT) and the Family Check Up® 4 Health program (FCU4Health, a health promotion program).
Megan Downey is a Project Coordinator with the Maternal and Child Health Translational Research Team at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Arizona State University. Megan’s professional background includes extensive work with children and experience in research, particularly coding motivational interviewing samples in a lab setting.
Jessica Luhmann is the Communication Coordinator with the Maternal and Child Health Translational Research Team, and a Project Coordinator for the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. Luhmann has more than a decade of experience in education and over eight years in social services and behavioral health, including as a Motivational Interviewing Coach with MyMI Motivational Interviewing Coding Lab, Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center at ASU. Luhmann is a second year graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, ASU.