Our Team
Jennifer Caldwell
The Lead Scientist & CEO
Education:
BS x BS - University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
MPH - University of Arkansas Medical Sciences
PhDc Howard University Genetics
Why you think research and activism should align: Research and activism should align because research is sparked and changes with culture and society. Scientific research should express the needs, and lives of the people it serves. Activism in research creates more equitable solutions for humanity.
Jennifer Caldwell, started ABI after a decade of research in minority health and health disparities. Her research spans Maternal and Fetal mortality, Cardiovascular disease, and genetics admixture analysis. While completing her studies Jennifer participated in various research programs ranging from the: National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Arkansas Department of Health Office of Minority Health Department, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Harvard University, The Johns Hopkins University, and Howard University. Combining her personal history and academic pursuits, Jennifer built ABI through her passion to know more about diversities within African American communities, and particularly the depth of history in her own family. Her research in preventative health care is creating novel approaches for community centered genetic studies in communities of color.
Ralph Philip Bellevue
The Educator
Education: West Virginia University, BA American Literature
How research and activism align: As we advocate for change on both local and national platforms, research will help us reach new conclusions based on fact and through investigation. Through ABI we want to be able to bridge gaps in information and provide knowledge to our communities.
Kierra Smith
The Coder
Education: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, BS in Computer Science
How research and activism align: Research begets activism! Understanding the past and/or history give direction on your destination and how to navigate. Without the two partnering with each other, activism is void.
Olusayo Louise-Oluwasanmi
The Clinical Geneticist
Education: M.D., Ph.D. Genetics and Human Genetics
How research and activism align: There is a need to understand the foundation, in this case, the genetics, to offer effective services in understanding the complexities of ancestry and healthcare. Genetics is a foundational science that unlocks discoveries of how our society and environment influence our health.
Bria Hardin-Boyer
The Community Strategist
Education: MA Columbia University; BA Spelman College
How research and activism align: The world needs new forms of education and information. What better way than to look and learn from the inside?
Sammi Bivens
The Digital Marketing Maven
Education: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, BBA in Marketing; Texas A&M-CC MBA
How research and activism align: Society is the number one source of marketing research. It guides us in our access to health, wellness, and success. For African American communities society does not always market towards our greater good. ABI hopes to be your new guide.