Program in Health Disparities Research

08/31/2026

📣 Join us on Tuesday, September 8, from 12:00–1:00 PM CT for the C2DREAM Overview seminar, hosted by the Center for Chronic Disease Reduction and Engagement Across Minnesota (C2DREAM) and the University of Minnesota Program in Health Disparities Research (PHDR).

💡 This online seminar will feature:
Felicity Enders, PhD
Christi Patten, PhD
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science

🩺 During this seminar, they will provide an overview of C2DREAM’s activities and research related to multiple chronic diseases and the community.
💻 This event will be held online via Zoom.
🔗 Register here: https://z.umn.edu/HealthrEsearchSeminarSeriesRegistration

08/27/2026

Another successful year of M-ASCEND programming has wrapped up! Throughout the summer, high school and undergraduate interns took part in a mentored research experience aimed at expanding their knowledge and skills through hands-on work in cancer, health disparities, and community-based participatory research. Additionally, they engaged in networking events to build connections across the healthcare sector and explore potential career pathways.

Following weeks of seminars and practical research, the interns shared their findings during an undergraduate poster symposium held on August 6 at the McNamara Alumni Center. Presentation topics covered a broad range of subjects, including cancer screening, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling, and cancer prevention.

Congratulations to every intern for completing a successful M-ASCEND summer internship! We extend our gratitude to our staff and mentors for their time, dedication, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the workforce of tomorrow.

08/11/2026

Congratulations to PHDR faculty member Dana Mowls Carroll, PhD, MPH, who was recognized at the National Tribal To***co Use Conference for her allyship with the American Indian Cancer Foundation and her work supporting commercial to***co control efforts. 🎉

***coconference

08/04/2026

Alyssa Lo joined M-ASCEND as an undergraduate intern in Summer 2023, where she worked with Dr. Elizabeth Rogers, PHDR faculty, on clinical research focused on health disparities. She presented her research on diabetes care at the Summer 2023 Undergraduate Poster Symposium and later completed an honors thesis, Exploring the Effects of Comorbidities on Diabetes Care in Hmong Patients in Minnesota, which she presented at the Spring 2025 Undergraduate Poster Symposium.

Beyond research, Alyssa became a near-peer mentor for M-ASCEND's Science Saturdays, later serving as a lead near-peer mentor and joining the M-ASCEND Community Advisory Board. She graduated with a B.S. in Biology and Summa Cum Laude honors in May 2025.

Now, Alyssa is taking the next step in her journey. After being accepted to four medical schools, she will begin attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities this August.

💬 "M-ASCEND has given me so many opportunities to grow as a leader, researcher, and community member. Through this program, I discovered my passion for health disparities and received incredible support that helped me become a successful medical school applicant. I'm excited to begin medical school and hope to one day return to M-ASCEND as an M.D."

Congratulations, Alyssa! We can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish.

07/09/2026

Dr. Michele Allen, MD, MS, Director of the Program in Health Disparities Research, Endowed Chair of Health Equity Research at the Medical School, and Director of the Community Engagement Core of the UMN Clinical Translational Science Institute, has been selected for a 2026 IMPACT (Individuals Making Positive Accelerated Change Together) Award from the Medical School’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This award recognizes Dr. Allen’s exceptional achievement in advancing inclusive excellence both within and outside of the Medical School. She models principles of cooperation, compassion, and integrity within her leadership, her community-engaged research and mentoring, and in her clinical care as a family medicine physician at the Community University Health Care Center. Please join us in congratulating Michele for this much-deserved recognition!

06/03/2026

That’s a wrap on the 5th Annual Conference! What an incredible few days of connection, collaboration, and community-building! 🌟

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who lent their voice, wisdom, and energy to make this multi-day event a success. From Chef Sean Sherman’s opening at the Bell Museum, to the powerful youth panel, data walks, and poster session at the American Swedish Institute, to wrapping up with Lacrosse Fest at UMN—a massive THANK YOU to everyone who attended, participated, and organized!

The work continues, and we are grateful to have a brilliant and passionate community doing the work alongside us. 🤝✨

05/19/2026

🚨REGISTRATION EXTENDED -- Secure your spot by 5/22!🚨
We've extended the deadline to register for the 5th Annual C2DREAM Conference. Register today: https://z.umn.edu/C2DREAMConfReg-2026

Join us May 28-30th for an incredible lineup, featuring:
✨ Opening remarks by Chef Sean Sherman
📊 Interactive Data Walks & Poster Sessions
👥 A Youth Panel
🥍 Lacrosse Fest

🔗 Don't wait—scan the QR code on the graphic or visit https://z.umn.edu/C2DREAMConfReg-2026

05/18/2026

⏳ LAST DAY TO REGISTER
Registration for the 5th Annual C2DREAM Conference closes today, May 18th! Join us for 3 days of immersive learning and networking across the Twin Cities. https://z.umn.edu/C2DREAMConf-2026

👥 Engage with health equity leaders and community partners.
🚶‍♂️ Join a Data Walk for an immersive look at our latest research.
🔍 Discover the groundbreaking work of C2DREAM researchers.
✨ Connect with the next generation of youth leaders.
🥍 Celebrate community and tradition at the Lacrosse Fest.

5th Annual C2DREAM Conference
🗓️Date: May 28-30, 2026
🗺️Location: Minneapolis, MN
📍 May 28: The Bell Museum
📍 May 29: American Swedish Institute
📍 May 30: UMN CCRB

🔗 More info & registration: https://z.umn.edu/C2DREAMConf-2026

Free and open to the public! We can’t wait to see you there!

5th Annual C2DREAM ConferenceMay 28 - 30, 2026 Register here About Registration, Venues, & FAQ Schedule Speakers About the conference Join the Center for Chronic Disease Reduction and Engagement Across Minnesota (C2DREAM) for our 5th Annual Conference, May 28 - 30, 2026! This multi-day conference ...

05/18/2026

⏳ LAST DAY TO REGISTER
Registration for the 5th Annual C2DREAM Conference closes today, Monday, May 18th! Join us for 3 days of immersive learning and networking across the Twin Cities. https://z.umn.edu/C2DREAMConf-2026

👥 Engage with health equity leaders and community partners.
🚶‍♂️ Join a Data Walk for an immersive look at our latest research.
🔍 Discover the groundbreaking work of C2DREAM researchers.
✨ Connect with the next generation of youth leaders.
🥍 Celebrate community and tradition at the Lacrosse Fest.

5th Annual C2DREAM Conference
🗓️Date: May 28-30, 2026
🗺️Location: Minneapolis, MN
📍 May 28: The Bell Museum
📍 May 29: American Swedish Institute
📍 May 30: UMN CCRB

🔗 More info & registration: https://z.umn.edu/C2DREAMConf-2026

Free and open to the public! We can’t wait to see you there!

05/12/2026

We are now accepting applications for our T32 Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships starting September 1, 2026 (contingent on funding).

Join our NIH-funded Cancer-Related Health Disparities Training Program and gain:

✅ Competitive stipend and tuition support
✅ Funding for training-related expenses
✅ Mentorship from academic and community leaders
✅ Training in community-engaged research, intervention design, and dissemination & implementation science

Take the next step toward advancing cancer health equity research!

Application links:
Predoctoral Fellowship: https://redcap.ahc.umn.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=MHHCK3KE3JH43YP8
Postdoctoral Fellowship: https://redcap.ahc.umn.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=YM84DLMX83