Dr. Anastasia Murphy is an Applied Research Scientist at Moffitt Cancer Center, where she leads and collaborates on studies aimed at eliminating cancer-related health disparities. She has a strong background in health disparities research, health equity, and cancer prevention and control. Her work focuses on advancing equitable care through research on clinical trials, community engagement, and the use of artificial intelligence to address systemic inequities. Dr. Murphy earned her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from the University of South Florida, where her research addressed mistrust in clinical trials among African Americans. With a longstanding commitment to social justice, her work explores the intersection of race, health outcomes, and access to care.

Dr. Cherell Cottrell-Daniels is a Research Scientist in the Research Department at Health Choice Network (HCN). She joined HCN in 2024 after completing a T32 Behavioral Oncology Postdoctoral Fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. She earned her Ph.D. in Public Health from Georgia State University, specializing in Health Promotion and Behavior. Dr. Cottrell-Daniels’ research focuses on improving health outcomes among low-income and underserved populations in both urban and rural communities. Her work aims to promote tobacco cessation, reduce tobacco-related cancer burdens among groups experiencing greater barriers to care, and develop culturally responsive interventions. During her doctoral training, she concentrated on supporting smoking cessation among low-income and African American adults. She has also contributed to NIH-funded clinical trials that utilized mobile technology to deliver behavior change interventions. Building on this foundation, Dr. Cottrell-Daniels expanded her research during her postdoctoral fellowship to examine stressors and protective factors associated with tobacco and cannabis co-use, using mixed-methods approaches. Her work remains centered on the experiences of low-income and underserved communities facing systemic barriers to prevention and care. She has broadened her research portfolio to include health services research and research infrastructure development. She partners with health centers to strengthen their research capacity and support initiatives that enhance patient-centered care and engagement. She is committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, can access innovative, high-quality health services. Dr. Cottrell-Daniels has authored 17 peer-reviewed journal articles and delivered 25 oral and poster presentations at local, national, and international conferences. She was awarded a National Cancer Institute Loan Repayment Award for her work on tobacco-related research among underserved populations. In addition to her research, she is passionate about teaching, mentorship, and community service. She is an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, and in her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis.

Dr. Alexandria Fletcher is an epidemiologist and public health researcher with a passion for advancing health equity and improving outcomes. She has expertise spanning population health epidemiology, cancer epidemiology, and infectious diseases, with a focus on data-driven approaches to understanding and addressing health disparities. Dr. Fletcher’s research examines how structural and interpersonal factors shape health behaviors, access to care, and outcomes across diverse populations. Her work integrates large-scale population data, community-engaged methods, and statistical analysis to uncover patterns that inform more equitable health policies and practices.With a background bridging acute and chronic disease research, Dr. Fletcher offers a multidisciplinary perspective on public health challenges. A strong advocate for mentorship and inclusion in research, Dr. Fletcher brings a grounded, socially conscious lens to epidemiologic innovation. 

Caseem C. Luck, M.S., is a Joint PhD/MPH student in Medical Anthropology and Public Health at the University of South Florida (USF). Their research examines the intersections of health disparities, medical decision-making, and culturally responsive communication strategies, with a particular focus on medical mistrust, structural inequality, and cultural belief systems. Caseem brings extensive experience in qualitative research, community-based participatory methods, and translational health communication. They hold an M.S. in Communication for Development and Social Change from Temple University and a B.A. in Anthropology (Honors) from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Caseem has contributed to multiple NIH, NIMH, and foundation-funded studies addressing Tumor genomic testing (TGP), HIV-related health literacy, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and HPV vaccination, with a focus on advancing health equity in marginalized communities.

Joshuah Otu is a Research Intern in Dr. B. Lee Green’s lab at Moffitt Cancer Center’s Health Outcomes and Behavior Department, as part of the ENCOURAGE Program. He is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of South Florida, majoring in Health Sciences. Joshuah plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in neurology with a strong focus on clinical research. His research interests include health equity and neurodegenerative disease in African American populations.

Brooke Bethune, a Tampa native, is currently a medical scribe in Pediatrics at Advent Health. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience Psychology with a minor in Biology from the University of Central Florida. Brooke is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the National Council of Negro Women. She also serves as a board member of S.T.E.P. Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free academic support to underserved youth. She is passionate about the intersection of science, service, and social justice, and her work is deeply influenced by her family's legacy, including her connection to the former Hillsborough County School Board member Doretha Edgecomb and her late husband, Judge George Edgecomb, as well as educator-activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Brooke plans to attend medical school, with a potential focus on neurosurgery, and is committed to advancing health equity and dismantling systemic barriers in healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and creating art.

Chazz Lovely Lezama-Francois holds a master's degree in biomedical science from the University of Georgia, where he also completed his undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences concentrating in pre-medicine and chemistry. With a diverse background spanning clinical care, biomedical research, and public health, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to advancing equitable healthcare. Throughout his career, Chazz has worked across a wide range of medical specialties, including family medicine, podiatric surgery and reconstruction, ophthalmology, and retina subspecialty care. His research experience includes contributions to the study of neurological diseases and symptom management, as well as public health initiatives aimed at improving population outcomes. Driven by a lifelong passion for science and medical innovation, Chazz is committed to increasing representation in medicine and fostering advancements that benefit underserved communities. With a hands-on approach and a deep commitment to patient care, he aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice, research, and human impact.

Justin is a population science volunteer and a B.S. Graduate from the University of South Florida. He is currently a registered and licensed pharmacy technician with growing interests in pharmacology and anesthesia. Justin's research explores the genetic risk factors associated with prostate cancer, particularly among men from underrepresented populations. His work investigates the relationship between patient demographics and the utilization of genetic counseling services, with the goal of addressing health disparities. As a growing author, Justin is currently working on several manuscripts that explore the genetic underpinnings of prostate cancer susceptibility and strategies to reduce racial disparities in prevention and care. Justin is very passionate about community service, research on helping underrepresented communities, and furthering his hands on experience in the clinical and research settings. On his free time, Justin loves working out and trying new food.

Dr. Kevin B. Sneed is a tenured Professor and the founding Dean of the University of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy. He also serves as a Senior Associate Vice-President for USF Health. Dr. Sneed earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a concentration in Microbiology from the University of Central Florida. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy. He completed an Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Practice Specialty Residency at Bay Pines Veteran’s Administration Medical Center. He has received numerous clinical and leadership awards and most recently received the Distinguished Fellow National Academies of Practice award from the National Academies of Practice, Chauncey I. Cooper Medal from the National Pharmaceutical Association, and the National Pharmaceutical Association Fellow from the National Pharmaceutical Association. Dr. Sneed serves on the board of several organizations and participates in many community endeavors.