President’s Cabinet Awards 

Danielle Dunn, IS Project Manager
Revenue Cycle Operations

This innovative initiative seeks to position UTMB as a leader in identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking through a comprehensive, healthcare-based intervention model. Recognizing that healthcare settings are often one of the few places where trafficking victims interact with individuals outside their traffickers’ control, the project aims to equip UTMB staff with the training, resources, and protocols necessary to recognize warning signs, respond appropriately, and connect victims with critical support services.

Using a three-pronged approach focused on staff preparedness, patient empowerment, and systemic support, the initiative will expand human trafficking awareness training for all patient-facing employees, provide discreet educational resources and hotline access for patients, and implement electronic health record tools that help identify and track potential victims for future intervention opportunities. By strengthening institutional awareness and fostering collaboration with law enforcement and community partners, the program seeks to improve victim identification, increase access to assistance, and enhance community safety throughout the Gulf Coast region. This project reflects UTMB’s commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care while addressing a critical public health issue through sustainable, measurable, and impactful action.

Crystal Frierson, Research Scientist III
Center for Addiction Science Therapeutics

The All-Inclusive Recovery Services for Emerging Adults (AIRSEA) initiative is designed to improve recovery outcomes for young adults ages 18 to 25 living with opioid use disorder. Building upon the community-based Galveston Secure Against Fentanyl Emergency (GSAFE) Clinic, AIRSEA provides a comprehensive, low-barrier approach to treatment that combines medication-assisted care with personalized recovery support, peer engagement, and community resources.

The program integrates innovative tools such as a mobile recovery application with 24-hour peer support, educational resources, recovery-focused events, and involvement of trusted family members and friends to encourage treatment participation and long-term recovery. By addressing the unique developmental, social, and behavioral needs of emerging adults, AIRSEA aims to increase treatment engagement, reduce relapse and overdose risk, and improve overall quality of life.

Through strong partnerships between UTMB, community organizations, healthcare providers, and local faith-based leaders, AIRSEA creates a supportive recovery network that helps young adults access evidence-based care, build resilience, and achieve lasting recovery. The initiative reflects UTMB’s commitment to advancing innovative, community-centered solutions to address substance use disorders and improve public health outcomes across the region.

Ciara Martinez, MS2
John Sealy School of Medicine

The Inclusive Medicine Initiative (IMI) is an innovative partnership between UTMB and Galveston’s Ball High School that aims to improve healthcare experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while preparing future physicians to deliver more inclusive, neuro-affirming care. Through a unique “Reverse Clinical” model, students with disabilities take an active role in simulated healthcare interactions, helping medical students better understand the patient perspective and build skills in disability-competent communication.

By combining hands-on learning, health literacy education, and crisis preparedness training, the program addresses healthcare disparities and medical anxiety often experienced by individuals with disabilities. The initiative also equips medical students with practical frameworks for fostering patient autonomy, reducing bias, and creating more accessible healthcare environments.

Through this collaborative, community-centered approach, IMI seeks to establish a sustainable model for disability-inclusive medical education, strengthen connections between UTMB and local schools, and advance equitable healthcare for individuals of all abilities.

Arun Rajan, MS2
John Sealy School of Medicine

The BLAST Research Initiative is a collaborative partnership between UTMB and the Galveston Independent School District designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. By connecting UTMB medical students with elementary school students through hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning, the program helps foster scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills at an early age.

Through weekly interactive lessons and student-led research projects, participants learn the foundations of scientific discovery while gaining exposure to higher education and healthcare careers. The program culminates in a research symposium hosted at UTMB, where students present their findings to families, educators, and community members, building confidence and communication skills.

Sara Hayes, Clinical Educator II/SANEAngleton Danbury Campus Emergency Department

This initiative will enhance forensic nursing services at UTMB Angleton Danbury Campus by introducing advanced forensic imaging technology and telehealth capabilities to support victims of sexual assault, abuse, and interpersonal violence. Through the implementation of the CortexFlo Photographic Examination System, patients will have access to high-quality forensic evaluations closer to home, reducing the need for travel and minimizing additional trauma during an already difficult experience.

The project will enable secure, high-resolution forensic imaging, advanced injury detection technology, and real-time telehealth consultation with UTMB forensic specialists and the Child Abuse Team. By improving access to expert forensic care, strengthening documentation, and supporting collaboration among healthcare, advocacy, and law enforcement partners, the initiative aims to improve patient outcomes, enhance evidence quality, and ensure compassionate, trauma-informed care for communities across southern Brazoria County.

Lindsey R. Eustace, Nurse Clinician IV
Danielle Duckett, Nurse Manager
League City Campus, Surgical Services

The Phase II Pediatric Perioperative Anxiety-Reduction Initiative will expand a successful pediatric anxiety-reduction program from UTMB League City Campus to UTMB’s Galveston, Clear Lake, and Angleton Danbury campuses. The program is designed to create a more positive surgical experience for children and their families by providing age-appropriate therapeutic play, distraction tools, and emotional support throughout the perioperative journey.

Building on the success of the initial pilot program, this initiative will implement standardized resources, staff education, and best practices across all campuses to ensure consistent, compassionate care for pediatric patients. By reducing anxiety before surgery, the program aims to improve patient comfort, enhance family satisfaction, and support better overall healthcare experiences.

Shinu Joy, DNP, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, OCN
Corri B. Levine, PhD, MPH
School of Nursing and Internal Medicine

Over the past two decades, high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) like Ebola, Lassa Fever and mpox have become more common, putting frontline healthcare workers, especially nurses, at increased risk. The awarded funds will be used to enhance infectious disease preparedness by supporting clinical training for nursing students at UTMB and other Galveston County nursing schools. Through the UTMB School of Nursing and the (Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness and Education Program) SPECTRE, students will gain hands-on experience in infection prevention and safe care practices for patients with highly transmissible diseases. This initiative aims to better equip future nurses to identify and manage high-consequence infectious diseases, reduce exposure risks, and strengthen community trust in local healthcare systems.

Blair H. Brown, MS, RDN, LD, CNSC
Christopher M. Messenger, MS, TD, LD, CNSC, PhD
Nutrition Sciences and Health Behavior 

The (Helping Others Prosper Equitably) H.O.P.E. Garden has become a vital source of fresh produce and hands-on nutrition education in Galveston. In response to shrinking local food resources and a supply crisis at St. Vincent’s House, UTMB Health Department of Nutrition Sciences & Health Behavior and its graduate students are expanding the garden through the H.O.P.E. Garden (Growing, Resilience, Opportunity, Wellness & Sustainability) G.R.O.W.S. project. This next phase aims to increase food production, utilize underused land and train future dietitians, all while ensuring families in need continue to have access to nutritious food and a renewed sense of hope.

Jairy Medina, MS1- Frontera De Salud President
Grayson Jarvis, MS1- Frontera De Salud Vice President
Office of Student Affairs, Frontera De Salud 

This community-driven project transforms an underused Holland House community room into an active wellness space for movement and social engagement. With senior loneliness and physical inactivity among the top health concerns in Galveston County, UTMB Health occupational therapy students, through Frontera de Salud, are stepping in to provide exercise equipment and lead therapeutic sessions. The goal is to promote healthy aging, enhance quality of life and create an inclusive space where seniors can thrive.

Jaclyn R. Dempsey, MD
Pediatric Surgery, League City Campus

With an estimated 1 in 4 children in Galveston County experiencing food insecurity, UTMB Health is launching the Healing Hunger Family Food Pantry Project to support pediatric patients and their families during and after hospital stays. Led by UTMB’s pediatric care team and in partnership with the Galveston County Food Bank, the pantry will provide nutritious meals, fresh produce and healthy staples, addressing both recovery and prevention. This initiative not only combats hunger but also tackles childhood obesity and promotes long-term wellness. The pantry will support UTMB Health in treating food as medicine and building a healthier future for our community’s children.

Lucy A. Salazar, RN, BSN
Angleton Danbury Campus 

The Bereavement Basket Project provides comfort baskets to families of patients receiving General Inpatient Hospice care at the UTMB Health Angleton Danbury Campus (ADC). Each basket includes grief literature, snacks, drinks, hygiene items and cozy essentials to help ease the emotional and physical burden of staying bedside with a dying loved one. This initiative reflects the deep commitment to compassionate, holistic and family-centered care at UTMB Health ADC.

Shilpa Rajagopal, MD/MPH Student
Madeline R. Steck, PhD Student
School of Public and Population Health 

Reading Together is a student-led initiative that supports early childhood literacy by providing free book packages to new parents at the Mother/Baby Unit at UTMB Health in Galveston. Each package includes bilingual board books, a literacy activity calendar, informational brochures and resources from Rosenberg Library. With research showing that reading from infancy promotes language development and school readiness, it also recognizes that many families lack access or awareness. This project helps bridge that gap. Monthly volunteer visits also offer families meaningful opportunities for connection and confidence through shared reading.

Meredith Masel, PhD
The Oliver Center for Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare

Each year more than 700,000 people in the United States fall in the hospital setting and over 1.7 million develop sepsis. Many of these cases are preventable with good patient safety programs.  This initiative will co-develop videos for patient safety with The Care Partner Project.  These visual demonstrations, coupled with clear explanations, will enhance comprehension and retention of key patient messages (how to prepare for a hospital stay, how to track details during a hospital stay, infections, falls, discharge, daily living needs, etc). Ten videos will be produced and made available on UTMB websites and on TV monitors in patient rooms.

Jacob Moran, MD, PhD
Benjamin Bush, MD
Leah Saylor, MD
Sangeeta Jain, MD
Kathleen Vincent, MD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Despite the advanced, high quality medical care available in the United States, disparities in birth outcomes still exist. This program aims to develop a group-care model for prenatal care with goals to improve overall patient satisfaction and health literacy related to pregnancy and the postpartum period and reducing potentially preventable adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight and infant mortality.  Year one will start spring 2025 and focus on Galveston's Regional Women Service and Pediatrics clinics (RWSP).  Year two will expand into the RWSP clinics in the Beaumont area.

Kelli Gilliam, MS2
Brian Liao, MS3
John Sealy School of Medicine

An influx of referrals from St. Vincent's primary care providers to the vasectomy clinic highlighted the growing demand for services within the community and underscored the necessity of proposed enhancements to meet the need effectively. Through this President's Cabinet project, enhancements to the clinic include broadening diagnostic and treatment capacities, transportation, lodging support and health education materials.  The clinic will have the ability to perform more procedures per month, allow for unexpected costs, and expand the diagnostic and treatment capabilities for general urology patients.

Cara Pennel, DrPH, MPH
Leslie Stalnaker, MPH
School of Public and Population Health Administration

Public health is an essential part of our everyday lives and the health of individuals and communities. Because public health careers are not often represented to middle and high school students as career options, this project aims to establish a Public Health Summer Camp. To be implemented in summer 2025, this two-week camp will be open to 25 adolescents from Galveston County public schools.  UTMB graduate students will run the camp and introduce the youth to a broad spectrum of public health topics and the various organizations/agencies working to improve public health locally.  Field trips, educational materials and books will be integrated into the camp.

Lindsey Eustace, Nurse Clinician IV
UTMB Victory Lakes Surgery-PreOp & PACU

Pediatric patients undergoing surgery experience heightened stress and anxiety, impacting their well-being and recovery process. The Pediatric Toy Box initiative provides a diverse selection of age-appropriate toys, books and activities within the UTMB Victory Lakes Day Surgery Unit to provide appropriate distractions and a supportive and comforting environment for children.

Lt. Shawn Carr
UTMB Police Department

For many years, the UTMB Police Department has assisted patients and visitors with the proper installation of child safety seats. In addition to making sure the seats are installed correctly and secured, the department has also provided low-income families of infants born to UTMB hospitals in Galveston and Clear Lake with a seat free of charge.  To continue this effort, President's Cabinet funds will purchase 100 seats with the ability to serve up to 100 families for the next two years.

Martha T. Garcia, MS3
Jennifer Odoi, MS3
Staley Rose, MS4
Lucy Villarreal, MD
OB-GYN

Grace Clinic -- a St. Vincent’s satellite clinic located at Central Methodist Church in Galveston -- provides free health care to those with limited access and resources. Historically the clinic has cared for a young population of uninsured individuals and had no tools or resources to provide women’s health exams. Given this patient demographic, President’s Cabinet funding will establish an infrastructure to provide services such as pap smears, pelvic exams and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. The program also aims to improve student awareness and confidence in population health screening, increase access to a variety of contraceptive options and provide supplemental funding for pelvic imaging for patients who express significant financial need.

Kathleen Karam, MS3
Alex Sosa, MS3
John Sealy School of Medicine

In looking at the veteran health system and the specific burdens this population faces, this extension of the UTMB Veterans' Health Initiative aims to help veterans connect and navigate existing VA and community resources, work with local organizations like St. Vincents and Christus Our Daily Bread to fill gaps, and host or participate in health fairs, traveling clinics and mental health screenings to support the health and well-being of the veteran population. President’s Cabinet funding will provide monthly transportation for off-island appointments, allow for the administration of mind and body health screenings, and furnish necessities to assist unsheltered veterans until a long-term solution is secured. Students come to understand veterans and their needs, and veterans meet students and become more familiar with the healthcare system.