Lab Members

Lorraine R. Reitzel, Ph.D., F.A.A.H.B., F.S.R.N.T.
Professor

My research program focuses on the social determinants of cancer and cancer risk behaviors — and the specific biopsychosocial mechanisms that account for associated disparities among minoritized and marginalized groups — with an emphasis on generating highly translational results that inform policy and intervention. The emphasis of this work has been in tobacco use and cessation among marginalized population sub-groups; however, my work spans dietary risk behaviors, physical inactivity, alcohol/drug use and cancer screening behaviors and investigates a wide range of social and socioeconomic determinants of health inequities. Additionally, I am invested in the research training and professional development of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and early career scientists in addictions and cancer prevention, with a particular emphasis on trainees from low-income households or from low-resourced communities, those who are first-generation college graduates, or who plan to pursue a career providing care to persons from groups that experience tobacco-related health inequities.

Maggie Britton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
MBritton@MDAnderson.org

I joined the lab in 2021 after completing my Ph.D. at the University of Houston in social and health psychology with a minor in statistics. My research interests center around reducing disparities in tobacco use and cessation among minoritized and marginalized groups. Specifically, the goal of my research is to develop, adapt, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions to address and prevent disparities in tobacco-related cancers. Currently, I am focused on a number of projects, including the implementation of a multi-component and evidence-based tobacco-free workplace program in a variety of community healthcare settings (such as rural and medically underserved Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and substance use treatment centers, homeless-serving agencies, lung cancer screening centers). I also have a pilot study to develop tools for Texas FQHCs to support tailored tobacco use and lung health care for Black patients. Finally, I work on Project Connect, which partners with select Texas FQHCs to provide their patients with state-of-the-science tobacco cessation care through the MD Anderson Quitline. At present, we are working on expanding the Quitline services to additional community healthcare settings as well as the capacity to offer tailored clinical care for select populations (e.g., tailored motivational text messaging). In addition to research, I am involved in my department’s efforts to enhance trainee experiences, taking a leading role in the expansion of available programming and resources.

Isabel Martinez Leal, M.P.H., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
BLeal@MDAnderson.org

My research focuses on enhancing cancer prevention and support and reducing health disparities among vulnerable groups, specifically disparities related to race and ethnicity and to tobacco use and dependence. Currently, my work is primarily focused on the dissemination and implementation of Taking Texas Tobacco Free (TTTF), a comprehensive tobacco-free workplace program within healthcare agencies serving various sub-groups experiencing disadvantage including the vulnerably housed, LGBTQ+ populations and individuals with mental and substance use conditions. The aim of TTTF is to reduce tobacco-related cancers through building organizational capacity and integration of evidence-based strategies for treating tobacco dependence into routine practice. I also co-lead a pilot project that uses a mixed methods approach to assess the capacity of Federally Qualified Health Centers to provide tobacco use interventions and lung cancer screening for Black patients focused on addressing tobacco-related and lung cancer care inequities among this priority population. My training in cultural anthropology and public health inform my perspective and interests in cancer research in which understanding the complex cultural and contextual issues underlying the social determinants of health is essential to the delivery of equitable, culturally congruent and quality care. I am a qualitative research specialist and mixed methods researcher engaged in a team science approach to applying these methods to varied cancer research projects that yield translational, practical findings to guide intervention and implementation strategies.

Courtney Rasmussen, M.P.A.
Program Manager
CARasmussen@MDAnderson.org

I received a Bachelor’s in community health education from Utah Valley University along with a Master’s in public administration from Southern Utah University. I am passionate about advancing strategies to create a positive impact on health disparities affecting minority populations. I have had the privilege of managing a robust youth coalition to advance tobacco prevention initiatives through peer-to-peer education along with local and state representative education regarding tobacco prevention policy in Utah. During my time in California, I was able to engage and educate community members from multiple disciplines and jurisdictions to advocate for tobacco prevention policy change, and successfully work with policymakers to pass five ordinances in four different jurisdictions. I am eager to continue to advance tobacco prevention strategies by providing access to cessation resources helping to reduce smoking-related cancers throughout Texas.

Anastasia Rogova, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
ARogova@MDAnderson.org

I am a social scientist interested in social determinants of health and health equity in the area of cancer prevention. I have been involved in research focusing on the implementation of tobacco-free workplace programs in various healthcare settings, including mental health and substance use treatment centers. My current research focuses on the implementation of shared decision-making tools for lung cancer screening among patients with mental health conditions. In my work, I primarily use qualitative and mixed methods approaches for data collection and analyses. Trained as an anthropologist, I aim to design, implement and evaluate health interventions that are grounded in a deeper understanding of complex social environments contributing to equitable access to healthcare.

Savannah Keel, M.A., L.P.C. Associate, T.T.S.
Health Education Specialist
SHKeel@MDAnderson.org

I received a B.A. in psychology from Texas State University in 2014 and an M.A. in Christian counseling from Houston Baptist University in 2017. I then started with MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2018 as an associate counselor on a research study to help people quit smoking with a combination of medication and counseling. This position gave me insight into the dangers of tobacco use and the challenges that people face in quitting smoking. I am excited to continue my work in cancer prevention and help more Texans quit tobacco!

Mikal Zere, B.S., M.P.H.
Health Education Specialist
MGZere1@MDAnderson.org

I received a B.S. in health promotion and disease prevention, followed by an M.P.H. from the University of Southern California (USC). My interest in addiction research was sparked when I worked as a research assistant in USC's Department of Preventive Medicine, where I focused on opioid and substance abuse among American Indian and Alaskan Native youth and adults. Following this, I transitioned into a clinical role as a patient care technician in the cardiopulmonary unit. I gained firsthand insight into the negative long-term effects of smoking on the body and how it disproportionately affected underserved communities. These experiences have significantly fueled my passion for addiction work, specifically in addressing tobacco use, to improve health outcomes in marginalized communities. By joining this team, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of tobacco cessation efforts throughout Texas, ultimately striving to reduce the incidence of smoke-related cancers.

Kamira Glover, M.P.H.
Program Coordinator
KWGlover@MDAnderson.org

I obtained my M.P.H. in epidemiology from Texas A&M University. I oversee the program Ask Advise Connect “Project Connect.” Project Connect is a tobacco cessation program that continues to support underserved communities in Texas with a model that provides direct patient connection to tobacco treatment specialists in a partnership with the MD Anderson Quitline. I am hopeful that my contribution to this team will allow us to continue to expand our services across Texas and continue to increase tobacco cessation that, in return, will prevent numerous smoking-related cancers.

Hinal Patel, B.D.S., M.P.H.
Program Coordinator
HPatel7@MDAnderson.org

I hold a Bachelor of Dentistry from India and Master of Public Health from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. My academic pursuits have provided me with an opportunity to blend my dental expertise with a broader public health perspective. Through active involvement with diverse communities in my home country (India), I observed the lack of understanding among individuals regarding use of tobacco and its impact on health. During my professional journey, I have coordinated health-based programs emphasizing the importance of health equity and education. I manage the R25 training grants focused on addiction sciences and its associated health disparities. I am optimistic that my participation within this team will enable us to mitigate the incidence of smoking related cancers and enhance overall quality of life.

Marcy Zere
Research Data Coordinator
MGZere@MDAnderson.org

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Rice University. I have become passionate about smoking-related cancer health disparities and hope to reduce smoking-related cancers for all. Additionally, I am interested in mental health disparities and how perceptions of mental health in different cultures affect those in that community. I plan to go to graduate school to continue my education in psychology.

Kim Tran
Research Data Coordinator
KTran12@MDAnderson.org

I received my B.A. in psychology with a minor in medicine and society from the University of Houston. Through my studies, I have become most interested in understanding social and environmental determinants of health, and I aspire to utilize that understanding in pursuit of more empathetic and effective healthcare. I am passionate about reducing health disparities in underprivileged communities by bridging the gap between research and the everyday citizen, providing them with actionable education as tools to better their lives and those around them. I intend to further my education in psychology by attending graduate school in the near future.

Ammar Siddiqi
Student Extern
ASiddiqi1@MDAnderson.org

I am an undergraduate student at Rice University studying biosciences with a concentration in cell biology and genetics. I joined the lab in the spring of 2022 after taking a public health class and developing a desire to have a tangible impact on reducing health disparities. Through my involvement in the lab, I've been actively engaged in the adaptation of a tobacco-free workplace program in various settings where tobacco use remains elevated. As of right now, I am assisting in creating a comprehensive program implementation guide that will help lung cancer screening centers practice evidence-based interventions to facilitate tobacco cessation. Additionally, I am serving as a program coordinator for a doctoral training program in health disparities research aimed at reducing breast cancer disparities. I am hopeful that my research work on health disparities will lead to more equitable health outcomes for all.

Hannah Wani
Undergraduate Student
HWani@MDAnderson.org

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Houston, majoring in biology and minoring in anthropology and medicine and society. I am passionate about reducing lung and smoking-related cancer disparities among underserved populations and promoting health equity. My research interests include clinical cancer prevention and the social determinants of health, and I hope to integrate a critical anthropological perspective into my work. Upon graduation, I hope to attend medical school.

Asfand Moosa
Undergraduate Student
ABMoosa@MDAnderson.org

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Houston, majoring in biology with a minor in psychology. I am dedicated to supporting underserved communities and addressing health disparities. After graduating, I plan to take a gap year before attending medical school. During this time, I aim to enhance my research skills, contribute to ongoing projects and gain valuable insights into public health initiatives. This experience will deepen my understanding of health disparities, enabling me to better serve and treat my future patients.

Abby Bergey
Research Assistant
AEBergey@MDAnderson.org

I am a first-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston. I earned my B.A. in psychology with a minor in gender studies from Whitman College. My undergraduate research examined attachment, belonging and depressive symptoms among sexual minorities. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Community Access, Recruitment, and Engagement (CARE) Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. My current research interests include risk and resilience factors for sexual and gender minority populations, including how belonging affects the interplay between minority stress and substance use. Additionally, I am interested in LGBTQ+ community-centered care, how intersecting identities and experiences affect community members' needs and research expectations, and the use of participatory research approaches.

Tarik Goulbourne, M.S.
Research Assistant
TDGoulbourne@MDAnderson.org

I am a doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston (UH). I hold a B.S. in biology with a minor in psychology and an M.S. in community psychology, both from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). While at FAMU, I served as a graduate assistant, working on research related to data dissemination and the psychological implications of social media on individuals of African descent. My research also examined the relationships between the Afrocentric Worldview, help-seeking attitudes and psychological well-being among African American men. At UH, I have contributed to the CORE Research Team’s exploration of socio-contextual factors affecting substance use behaviors and behavioral health outcomes in sexual minority communities. My passion lies in understanding the contextual factors that impact health outcomes in ethnic and sexual minority communities. Specifically, I am interested in substance use behaviors and the experiences of individuals with intersecting marginalized identities. I aim to leverage my background in community psychology and counseling psychology to help aid the development and implementation of interventions for tobacco cessation within underserved populations. Through community-engaged research, I am committed to reducing cancer disparities and improving public health outcomes in marginalized communities.

Terra Ousley, M.Ed.
Research Assistant
TMOusley@MDAnderson.org

I am a doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston. I earned my B.S. in psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce and my M.Ed. in educational psychology and counselor education from The University of Texas at Austin. I previously took part in the UH Health Research Institute's HEALTH-FAST research program as a doctoral scholar. My research focused on neighborhood violence and substance use among young Black adults. I have also worked with the Social Sciences in Young Adult Risk Behavior & Health Disparities Lab at UH. My primary research interests are in health disparities and health equity for racial and ethnic minority groups. Additionally, I am interested in the substance use behaviors and mental health outcomes of young Black adults. I hope to continue using my research skills to contribute to tobacco cessation interventions and reducing cancer related health disparities. 

Zain Moosa
Undergraduate Student
ZMoosa@MDAnderson.org

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Houston, pursuing a B.B.A. in finance with a minor in accounting. Through my work in the Tobacco Health Equity and Cancer Prevention Science Lab at MD Anderson, I aim to gain valuable experience in healthcare operations, research and budgeting processes for prevention grants. My previous roles have equipped me with a strong foundation in business administration, project management and client service, and I am eager to apply these skills to support ongoing efforts in public health. Post-graduation, I plan to further my career in healthcare administration, aiming to make a meaningful impact by improving access to care and promoting equity in underserved communities.