Forge AHEAD Center Announces Fifth and Sixth Cohort of Scholars Focused on Advancing Cardiometabolic Health

The Forge AHEAD Center (FAC) is pleased to introduce the recipients of its pilot funding for the fifth and sixth cohorts – early-stage investigators dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions that address cardiometabolic health challenges and differences in health outcomes across the Deep South.

These scholars are translating research into action to improve access to care and health outcomes for communities with limited healthcare resources. Join us to become part of a vibrant community not only focused on providing funding but dedicated to making a real difference together.

Fifth Cohort Scholars

Seven outstanding early-stage investigators were selected for innovative projects targeting cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and related conditions.

Keri Barron, Ph.D., MSN, BSN

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama

Project: Evaluating the Utilization of the Heart Truth Program® among Young Black Women in the Deep South

Focus: This project evaluates the reach and outcomes of a national educational campaign addressing cardiovascular health awareness and prevention for young Black women, tailoring efforts to meet the unique health needs of the region.

Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Pilot Testing of a Primary Care-Based Dyadic Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Intervention: “Heart Care Pairs”

Focus: Pilots an innovative dyadic intervention that engages primary care patients and their care partners, “Heart Care Pairs”, in shared health behaviors to reduce cardiovascular risks and improve long-term outcomes.

Deborah Ejem, Ph.D., RN

Associate Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Enhancing Patient-Centered Care for Older African American Patients with Cardiovascular Comorbidities: Piloting the Patient Priorities Care Model at Cooper Green Mercy Health Service Authorities (PPC-HEART)

Focus: Explores precision, patient-centered approaches to improve co-occurring condition management among older Black patients at a safety-net primary care clinic.

Abbey Gregg, Ph.D., MPH

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama

Project: Challenges and Enabling Factors to Implementing Remote Patient Monitoring for Hypertensive Conditions of Pregnancy

Focus: This research examines how remote patient monitoring technology can support management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, particularly for Medicaid-insured populations, addressing logistical obstacles to improve maternal health outcomes.

Lucia Juarez, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Development and Validation of a Diabetes Risk Score for Undiagnosed Hispanics Living in the United States

Focus: Develops and validates a diabetes risk score developed with community input to improve relevance and uptake to enhance early diabetes detection and prevention for Hispanic populations.

Seung-Yup “Joshua” Lee, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: AI-Guided Risk Stratification for Medication Reconciliation for Patients with Diabetes

Focus: Uses artificial intelligence to strengthen medication reconciliation and reduce medication adherence-related risks for patients living with diabetes.

Chin-Yen Lin, Ph.D., RN

Assistant Professor, Auburn University

Project: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Yoga Intervention in Heart Failure Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Focus: Evaluates the feasibility and benefits of a yoga intervention developed with community input to enhance cognitive and cardiovascular health in rural areas.

Sixth Cohort Scholars

Six early-stage investigators join with projects addressing hypertension, diabetes, food insecurity, and cardiovascular health through innovative approaches developed with input from community partners.

Osayande Agbonlahor, M.D., Ph.D., MPH

Assistant Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center

Project: Using a Physician-Patient and Community Advisory Board to Address Health Care Discrimination and Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes for Black Adults

Focus: Examines how approaches developed with input from community partners and stakeholders can build trust and improve cardiovascular outcomes among Black adults.

Dashauna M. Ballard, Ph.D., MPH

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Empowering faith-based communities to provide personalized diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) in the Magic City: A pilot study

Focus: Implements a faith-based diabetes self-management program combining community health workers and remote monitoring to improve diabetes-related health outcomes in Black and rural communities.

Courtney E. Gamston, ScM, PharmD, BCPS

Assistant Professor, Auburn University

Project: Assessing the Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Hispanic Community Health Worker Program in a Safety-net Clinic

Focus: Evaluates a community health worker program to improve diabetes care and education among Hispanic populations at a safety-net clinic in Alabama.

Catheryn Orihuela, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Impact of a Health Coaching Program to Improve the Health of Food Insecure Adults with Cardiovascular Disease

Focus: Tests a health coaching program designed to enhance nutrition access and improve cardiovascular health outcomes for adults with cardiovascular disease.

Chloe Taub, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Pharmacist-Led Remote Patient Monitoring for Diabetes and Hypertension Management in Persistent Poverty Areas

Focus: Tests the feasibility of an AI-supported, pharmacist- and community health worker–led program to improve diabetes and hypertension management in areas with limited healthcare resources.

Gabriel S. Tajeu, DrPH

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: A Clinical Decision Support Questionnaire to Identify Obstacles to Blood Pressure Control

Focus: Develops and tests a clinical decision support questionnaire to identify factors and logistical obstacles influencing blood pressure control and improve hypertension management among patients in a safety-net clinic in Alabama.

Supporting Scholarly Success

The Forge AHEAD Center is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that equips these scholars with the resources they need to succeed. Recipients will receive mentorship, strategic guidance, and funding to translate their innovative ideas into measurable health outcomes.

By addressing significant health needs related to cardiometabolic conditions, these projects aim to enhance health outcomes and care for communities experiencing healthcare challenges.

Advancing Health through Innovation

The Forge AHEAD Center remains committed to driving transformative research that improves cardiometabolic health outcomes for all populations across the Deep South. Together, our scholars and partners are forging a healthier future for all.

Stay Connected!

For more details about the scholars and their projects, visit the Forge AHEAD Center’s website. Early-stage investigators interested in applying for upcoming pilot funding cycles are encouraged to review application guidelines and deadlines online.

Bridging science and action: three scholars tackle heart health challenges

“Heart health is a function of so much more than diet and exercise. We have to look at the broader factors—like financial stress, food insecurity, and accessibility—to truly make an impact,” said Amber W. Kinsey, Ph.D., during a recent Forge AHEAD seminar.

The March event featured three Forge AHEAD scholars who shared their research on addressing cardiovascular health through behavioral interventions. Their work, spanning financial wellness, food insecurity, and maternal health, highlights the need for integrated solutions that go beyond traditional public health approaches.

The seminar provided a platform for Kinsey, Candice A. Myers, Ph.D., and Camille Schneider-Worthington, Ph.D., to discuss their Forge AHEAD pilot projects and the real-world applications of their research.

Rethinking heart health: the role of financial wellness

Kinsey, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, studies the intersection of financial well-being and physical activity in relation to cardiovascular health.

Her research underscores a crucial but often overlooked connection: financial stress is more than a burden; it’s a physiological risk factor for heart disease.

“Financial insecurity isn’t just about money. It’s a stressor that changes behavior and impacts physical health in ways we don’t always consider,” she said.

Kinsey’s study, “An integrated cardiometabolic intervention targeting physical and financial health: A pilot study”, integrates resistance training and financial coaching for participants facing economic hardships. The pilot program examines whether improving financial literacy can lead to better health choices and reduced stress, ultimately lowering cardiovascular risk.

Did you know? Chronic financial stress isn’t just a mental burden—it affects your body, too.

Increased Cortisol Levels – Prolonged stress triggers excess cortisol, which contributes to inflammation, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure—all key risk factors for heart disease (American Psychological Association, 2022).

Higher Blood Pressure & Heart Rate – Financial strain has been linked to hypertension, even after adjusting for lifestyle factors (Gallo et al., Psychosomatic Medicine, 2021).

Behavioral Impact – People experiencing financial hardship may be more likely to reduce physical activity, skip medical appointments, or make diet choices based on affordability rather than health (Kinsey, Forge AHEAD Seminar, 2024).

➡️ Dr. Amber Kinsey’s research explores whether financial coaching, combined with resistance training, can break this cycle and improve overall heart health.

Food insecurity: a hidden cardiovascular risk

Myers, assistant professor in the Division of Population and Public Health Science at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, focuses on food insecurity as a driver of poor heart health in her project “TARGETing Healthy Weight Loss in the Context of Food Insecurity Pilot and Feasibility Trial“.

Using data from the PROPEL trial—an obesity treatment study—Myers explored whether individuals with food insecurity had worse cardiovascular outcomes than those with consistent access to food. Surprisingly, her baseline analysis found no significant difference between the two groups.

But that doesn’t mean food insecurity isn’t a critical factor. Instead, it suggests that broader health challenges overshadow the differences in food access alone.

“Food insecurity is linked to chronic disease in ways we don’t fully understand yet. It’s not just about nutrition—it’s about the stress, the trade-offs, and the long-term effects on health behavior,” Myers explained.

Her next steps involve using the updated Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health model to see if new insights emerge.

Maternal health and the power of food as medicine

Worthington’s work bridges pregnancy, nutrition, and cardiovascular health. She studies how food access during pregnancy influences both maternal and infant health outcomes.

Her pilot study, “Use of home-delivered meals to manage cardiometabolic health during pregnancy among predominantly Black, low-income women in Alabama“, tested a meal delivery intervention for pregnant individuals facing food insecurity. Participants received nutritionally balanced meals, with the goal of reducing stress, improving diet quality, and preventing excessive gestational weight gain—a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

But recruitment proved more challenging than anticipated. Despite offering free, healthy meals, many potential participants declined.

“We assume that free food is an easy sell, but there are barriers we don’t always think about—time, trust, preferences, and the reality of everyday life,” Worthington said.

The qualitative exit interviews, however, revealed a clear impact: Participants reported reduced stress, improved food security, and the discovery of new, healthy foods they previously wouldn’t have tried.

What if your doctor could prescribe healthy meals?

That’s the idea behind Food is Medicine (FIM).

What is it?

A growing movement in healthcare that integrates nutrition into medical treatment by providing medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, or grocery deliveries to improve health outcomes.

Why does it matter?

Studies show that medically tailored meals reduce hospitalizations by 49% and overall healthcare costs by 16% (JAMA Network Open, 2019).

For pregnant individuals, better nutrition can lower risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and excessive weight gain—which all affect long-term cardiovascular health (Worthington, Forge AHEAD Seminar, 2024).

➡️ Dr. Camille Worthington’s pilot study tested a meal delivery intervention for pregnant women, exploring whether better nutrition access could improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Amber W. Kinsey, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine & Population Science at UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Kinsey.

Candice A. Myers, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Learn more about Myers.

Life's Essential 8™

The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™ is a comprehensive guide outlining eight key measures to maintain and improve cardiovascular health:

Eat Better, Be More Active, Quit Tobacco, Get Healthy Sleep, Manage Weight, Control Cholesterol, Manage Blood Sugar, Manage Blood Pressure

These measures collectively aim to enhance cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

➡️ Dr. Candice Myers is applying this updated model to reassess the relationship between food insecurity and cardiovascular health—hoping to uncover new insights missed by the older metric.

Learn more about Life’s Essential 8™

Camille Schneider-Worthington, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine & Population Science at UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Worthington.

A shared vision: addressing the root causes of health challenges

Despite the distinct focuses of their projects, all three scholars emphasized a shared reality: improving cardiovascular health requires tackling the social and economic barriers that shape behavior.

“We can’t talk about heart health in isolation. If we want to make a difference, we have to address the structural and social factors that limit people’s ability to make healthy choices,” Kinsey said.

Looking ahead: turning research into action

Each scholar’s research reflects a critical shift in public health: moving beyond individual behavior change to structural solutions that improve health outcomes at a community level.

As these projects progress, they will continue to inform policy, interventions, and best practices for addressing cardiovascular health—ensuring that heart health research doesn’t stay in the lab, but makes a real-world impact.

For updates on upcoming Forge AHEAD events and resources, visit our website.

You can watch the seminar presentation video here.

Mugavero named lead of Forge AHEAD Center Investigator Development Core

Michael Mugavero, M.D., MHSc, professor in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, has been named lead of the Forge AHEAD Center (FAC) Investigator Development Core, which became effective Dec. 1, 2023.

The FAC Investigator Development Core is dedicated to preparing and mentoring investigators as they develop innovative health equity research with a precision public health approach, such as translational community and clinical programs.

Mugavero brings a wide range of research-related leadership experiences to the role, such as currently serving as director for the Center for Outcomes Effectiveness Research and Education (COERE) at UAB Heersink School of Medicine, co-director of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Center for AIDS Research, associate director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, and PI of an AHRQ T32 training grant in health services and outcomes research.

“I am excited to join a dynamic team of deeply committed faculty and staff from across our partner institutions in the Investigator Development Core, and to engage with current and future Forge AHEAD Scholars to support their pilot projects, professional development, and successful advancement on the next steps of their career journeys,” Mugavero says.

“Our first cohort of Scholars will wrap up their pilot projects in Summer 2024 – an early priority for me will be to learn more about them and their projects and how we can continue to support them after their pilot grant funding ends,” Mugavero says. He explains that FAC is committed to and invested in Scholars for the long-term, not just while they are funded.

Early this year, the Investigator Development Core will gear up to onboard the next cohort of FAC Scholars.

“Simultaneously, we’ll be onboarding the next cohort of Scholars in January 2024 as they begin their pilot projects, while contemporaneously completing our review of applications for an HIV-focused supplement. So, my initial focus will be navigating transitions of Scholars in and out of the program, leaning heavily on the IDC team and their many successes and lessons learned over the years.”

When asked what it means for him personally to be part of Forge AHEAD Center’s work, he says, “The opportunity to join the Forge AHEAD Center Investigator Development Core aligns with my core values and priorities professionally. To be able to engage with early career scholars who are deeply committed to addressing intersectional health inequities in our region and play a small role in supporting their professional development and advancement, is deeply humbling, inspiring, and rewarding. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with such an incredible team.”

Forge AHEAD HIV-Focused Pilot RFA

The Forge AHEAD (Advancing Health Equity Across the Deep South) Center is pleased to announce a new HIV-focused request for applications for its Pilot and Feasibility Scholars Program. Funding for this special emphasis round is available for up to 3 pilot awards (up to $50,000 each for 1 year) focused specifically on health equity issues related to HIV and cardiometabolic disease, ranging from prevention efforts to projects involving people living with HIV. This program will provide seed support for research projects focused on stakeholder-engaged intervention development, clinical outcomes, implementation and dissemination (T3) and outcomes and effectiveness in populations (T4). Letters of intent are due October 25, 2023, and detailed instructions can be found in the RFA document. Please reach out to Dr. Trudi Horton at trudihorton@uabmc.edu if you have questions or would like additional information.

LAUNCHED is Recruiting Underrepresented Minority Scientists

Now Recruiting Underrepresented Minority Scientists: LAUNCHED

(The Louisiana Center for Advancing Underrepresented Scientists Careers in Health, Nutrition, Obesity, and Disparities Research)

The Louisiana Center for Advancing Underrepresented Scientists Careers in Health, Nutrition, Obesity, and Disparities Research (LAUNCHED) is a comprehensive program designed to provide mentorship, training, and career development opportunities for underrepresented minority (URM) scientists in nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and related research. LAUNCHED is a highly innovative training program with the long-term goal of increasing the success rate of underrepresented ethnic minority scientists competing for federal research funding in the fields of nutrition, obesity, and diabetes. Located in the Deep South, LAUNCHED is focusing on providing training to scientists in Louisiana and neighboring states. A diverse workforce is important to academic productivity. However, there are several groups of scientists, including racial and ethnic minority groups, who are currently underrepresented in academia. This underrepresentation has a direct effect on scientific research in general, but especially within health disparities research, including studies related to nutrition, obesity, and/or diabetes. The goal of LAUNCHED is to increase the success rate of URM scientists being awarded federal research funding, particularly in areas relevant to the National Institute for Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The LAUNCHED program is funded by the NIDDK and is a collaboration among several institutions, including Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Southern University, Louisiana State University (LSU) A&M, Xavier University of Louisiana, Tulane University, and LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO).

We are looking for early career scientists (post-doctoral fellows and early career faculty) from institutions in Louisiana and neighboring states with an interest in diabetes, nutrition, and/or obesity research from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups. Applicants must have a PhD or MD equivalent degree and there is no citizenship requirement. Additional information can also be found on our website at www.launchedprogram.org. Should you have any questions at this time, please feel free to contact us at launched@pbrc.edu. We are very excited to give deserving applicants the opportunities that LAUNCHED has to offer!

Apply here today.

Forge AHEAD Center Requests Applications – 2023

Forge AHEAD (Advancing Health Equity Across the Deep South) Center is pleased to announce a new request for applications for its Pilot and Feasibility Scholars Program.

The Center is a collaboration between the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Tuskegee University, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Pennington Biomedical Research Center and non-academic regional partners with funding from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

The Pilot and Feasibility Scholars Program was established to prepare and mentor investigators to develop innovative health equity research to understand and address contextual factors and social determinants of health that contribute to regional health disparities in cardiometabolic disease. Funding is available for up to 10 pilot awards per year. Designated funding is also available for up to 3 additional pilot awards focused specifically on disparities in cardiometabolic disease in people living with HIV. This program will provide seed support for research projects focused on stakeholder-engaged intervention development, clinical outcomes, implementation and dissemination (T3) and outcomes and effectiveness in populations (T4). Letters of intent are due April 25, 2023, and detailed instructions can be found in the RFA document. Please reach out to Dr. Trudi Horton at trudihorton@uabmc.edu if you have questions or would like additional information.

Click here to see the projects funded in previous cohort(s).

2023 Methods Symposium

2023 Methods Symposium: Scientific Methods to Support Health Equity Research

Forge AHEAD partnered with UAB COERE to host the 2023 Methods Symposium on “Scientific Methods To Support Health Equity Research” on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

The hybrid, half-day symposium was designed to provide local and national attendees with an overview of recent developments and current projects related to scientific methods that support health equity research.

A total of 185 attended with 60 in-person including 143 from UAB and 35 from external institutions.

The symposium featured four speakers: Dione King, PhD (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Gbenga Ogedegbe, MD, MPH (NYU Grossman School of Medicine), Brita Roy, MD, MPH, MHS (NYU Grossman School of Medicine), and Patrick Sullivan, DVM, PhD (Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health). Dr. Ogedegbe, this year’s Meredith Kilgore Endowed Lecturer, presented an inspired talk that chronicled his journey to become a world-renowned physician scientist and leading expert on health disparities research.

Speakers met with attendees for a networking lunch to continue the great discussion generated from each of their talks. As part of this event, Forge AHEAD hosted a dinner with the four speakers, early-stage investigators, and Center members.

Dione King, PhD (UAB)
Incorporating Photovoice into adolescent and young adult (AYA)
social and behavioral health research
View the recorded presentation.