News + Accomplishments

Few stories exemplify the transformative power of mentorship and opportunity as clearly as that of John Fuller, MS. A member of the 2023 Building Research Inclusion & Diversity in Graduate Education (BRIDGE) cohort at Duke's Department of Population Health Sciences (DPHS), Fuller's journey—from first-generation college student to emerging leader in health equity research—demonstrates the profound impact of programs designed to build diversity in education.

Natalie Ezem’s journey into healthcare began with a nudge from her mother during her teenage years. Initially skeptical that the field was for her, Natalie’s perspective shifted after volunteering at a local hospital in South Florida. Working in the geriatric unit and emergency department, Natalie engaged directly with patients, many of whom were from migrant ethnic backgrounds and/or low-income families. These experiences, coupled with managing chronic health conditions within her own Nigerian family, sparked a deep curiosity about the health challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

Meet Latesha K. Harris, BSN, RN, an alum of Duke University's Department of Population Health Sciences (DPHS) 2022 BRIDGE Program cohort. As a first-generation college graduate and the first nurse in her family to pursue a doctoral degree, Latesha's journey is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for healthcare. Her story is one of breaking barriers and striving for excellence in nursing and health services research.

The Department of Population Health Sciences (DPHS) at Duke University is thrilled to welcome our newest cohort of BRIDGE Scholars for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

DPHS is always excited to see our current and former BRIDGE Scholars find success in their academic and professional pursuits. John Fuller, a 2023 – 2024 DPHS BRIDGE Program Scholar, continues his impressive endeavors and builds on his past year of mentorship with the program.

DPHS is always excited to see our former students and BRIDGE Scholars continue to find success in their academic and professional pursuits. Elenor Strand, a 2021 DPHS BRIDGE Scholar, has continued her research endeavors, securing multiple publications and presentation opportunities along the way.

DPHS is always excited to see our former students and BRIDGE Scholars continue to find success in their academic and professional pursuits. We're currently celebrating the achievements of J'Mauri Jackson, a 2022 DPHS BRIDGE Scholar, who was awarded a graduate research fellowship at the Center for Racial Justice with the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy.

BRIDGE Scholar John Fuller recently received the CCHS 2023 Undergraduate Research Paper Award for his work on “Social Network Support and Frequent Mental Distress Among Sexual and Gender Diverse Cancer Survivors."

DPHS is always excited to see our former students and BRIDGE Scholars continue to find success in their academic and professional pursuits. Latesha K. Harris, a 2022 DPHS BRIDGE Scholar, has been busy publishing and disseminating her research – and adding additional titles to her list of accolades.

DPHS is always excited to see our former students and BRIDGE Scholars continue to find success in their academic and professional pursuits. J'Mauri Jackson, a 2022 DPHS BRIDGE Scholar, recently updated us on her post-program achievements.