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Students and Faculty Present Research at APHA Annual Meeting

Students and Faculty Present Research at American Public Health Association Annual Meeting

November 6, 2025

Trinity Washington University students and faculty made a strong showing at this week’s American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., presenting cutting-edge research in public health and demonstrating the university’s commitment to preparing students for leadership in health-related fields.

Student Research on HIV and Food Insecurity

Five College of Arts and Sciences students—Asiwome Agbleze (Public Health), Josefina Rodriguez (Global Affairs), Daniela Silva (Public Health), Retina Christian (Human Relations), and Kaletra Arnold (Global Affairs)—saw their summer research efforts culminate in a presentation at the conference this week.

The students worked this summer with Dr. Wairimu Mwangi, Assistant Professor of Sociology, on a food insecurity research project supported through Dr. Mwangi’s fellowship with Columbia University and a Columbia–NSF sub-award. Their collaborative work resulted in the research paper “The Role of Cognitive Function in the Relationship between Food Insecurity and Psychosocial Factors among Women Living with HIV,” which Dr. Mwangi presented at the 2025 APHA Annual Meeting.

The research examines how food insecurity—a recognized social determinant of health—affects cognitive function among people living with HIV, and explores the mediating role of cognitive function in the relationship between food insecurity and various psychosocial factors affecting women living with HIV.

“These students actively contributed and worked very hard, gaining significant learning experience through this project,” said Dr. Mwangi. Their participation in this high-level research demonstrates the hands-on learning opportunities available through Trinity’s Public Health, Global Affairs, and Human Relations programs.

Health Services Students Address Inclusive Fitness

Current Health Services students A’Nya Vest and Jazmin Galan-Oliva, along with alumna Kimberly Ortiz, MPH ’20, presented their research on “Addressing Barriers to Physical Activity for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and the Impact of Inclusive Fitness Programs” at the conference (pictured). Their presentation represents the culmination of Trinity’s partnership with Special Olympics DC, through which athletes complete a fitness program at the Trinity Center.

This research embodies Trinity’s commitment to social justice, community engagement, and addressing health equity issues affecting underserved populations – key components of Trinity’s Health Services bachelor’s degree program.

The students also participated in the day-long Student assembly, which was organized and led by another Trinity participant, MPH Adjunct Faculty Member Crystal Pope, CHES.

Faculty Leadership at the Conference

Dr. Nicole Betchsman, Program Director for Public Health and Health Services, presided over this week’s American Public Health Association Annual Convention as President of the DC Public Health Association. She greeted the opening session on Saturday and moderated a session on the Public Health Renaissance Collaborative Partnership in the DMV.

Preparing Public Health Leaders

The diverse research presentations by Trinity students and faculty highlight the university’s robust public health curriculum and its emphasis on applied, community-based research. Through programs in Public Health, Global Affairs, Human Relations, and the School of Nursing and Health Professions, Trinity prepares students to address critical health challenges affecting diverse populations.

Dean Brigid Noonan, of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, reflected on this in her congratulations to those who participated the APHA conference, saying, “Public Health is everywhere and Trinity’s representation of research and collaboration did not disappoint! Congratulations to our undergraduate, graduate students and faculty for a fantastic APHA Conference! My gratitude to Dr. Nicole Betschman and Dr. Wairimu Mwangi for their leadership and mentorship of our students. Wonderful work everyone!”

Access to Professional conferences like the APHA Annual Meeting is just one of the benefits of Trinity’s location in Washington, D.C., which also provides unparalleled access to leading public health organizations and research opportunities, enabling students to engage with the field at the highest levels while still completing their degrees.

Click any of the links in the story above to learn more about Trinity’s degree programs in public health-related fields, or browse all degree programs to find the one that’s right for you!