Research
Jennifer Kue
About Us
The Refugee Health Across the Diaspora (RHAD) Research Lab is committed to conducting community-engaged research that utilizes innovative and rigorous approaches to understand and reduce health disparities in refugee and immigrant populations. Informed by a health equity framework and social determinants of health, we partner with communities and community agencies to build research capacity and promote health, locally and globally. Our research investigates specific health disparities and applies evidence-based interventions that prioritize the needs of refugee and immigrant populations.
Meet Our RHAD Team
Led by Jennifer Kue, PhD, Associate Professor at the University of South Florida College of Nursing, we are an interdisciplinary team conducting research on cancer screening disparities, social determinants of health, and refugee and immigrant health issues.
Join our Team:
If you would like to join the RHAD Research Lab, send a cover letter outlining your experience and research interests, as well as a CV/resume to Dr. Kue at jkue3@usf.edu. Please note that undergraduate students are expected to volunteer 4-6 hours per week in the lab.
Jennifer Kue, PhD -- Associate Professor
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kue is an expert in community health promotion, cancer control and prevention, health equity, qualitative and mixed-methods research, and health program planning and evaluation. Dr. Kue’s research is widely recognized for its application of community-engaged research principles to understanding and addressing cancer health disparities among medically underserved populations, including refugees and immigrants. Dr. Kue has published extensively on these issues and has mentored and trained students, researchers, and community members. Dr. Kue earned her PhD in Public Health from Oregon State University and her master’s degree in Anthropology from San Diego State University.
Bárbara Piñeiro, PhD -- Postdoctoral Researcher
Bárbara Piñeiro is a behavioral scientist with a PhD in clinical psychology and psychobiology from the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Over the last 10 years, she has gained research experience in smoking cessation, cancer prevention and control, health disparities, and community-based participatory research among underserved and low SES, racially/ethnically diverse populations (mainly Hispanics/Latinos) with her involvement and participation in NIH-R01 funded grants. Currently, her focus of research is on community health promotion and cancer disparities. Her primary research interest is to conduct meaningful research that ultimately results in reducing health inequalities/disparities among vulnerable populations with a strong emphasis on transdisciplinary implementation science.
Ngan Ha Nguyen -- Research Assistant
Ngan Ha Nguyen is an undergraduate student at the Judy Genshaft Honors College of the University of South Florida. As an international student hailing from a developing Asian country, Ha's experiences in adapting to different cultural norms and societal systems aid a better understanding of the challenges that refugees face in adapting to new environments. In addition, Ha's involvement in participating in and organizing different events across her home country gives her exposure to different social classes and helps her build a network with various organizations in Vietnam.
Charles Umeh, MD -- PhD Student & Graduate Research Assistant
Charles Umeh is a Medical Doctor and Public Health expert with a focus on telemedicine and healthcare innovation. He holds an MBBS from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and a Master of Science in Surgical Science with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh. As the Executive Director of Parkers Mobile Clinic in Nigeria since 2018, Dr. Umeh has led the design and implementation of health programs across Southeast Nigeria, focusing on vulnerable populations including children, the disabled, and the elderly.
His leadership in the field is marked by successful partnerships with organizations like Vitamin Angels and FEM, and he has been instrumental in securing key grants and contracts. Dr. Umeh's expertise is further recognized through his role as Chief Medical Officer at CribMD and as an active member of the International Medical Informatics Association Telehealth Working Group. He is also a published author and recipient of multiple awards for his contributions to global health.
Artemis Pham -- Research Assistant
Artemis Pham is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of South Florida. Her research focuses on preventing breast, cervical, and skin cancer—areas where early detection and education can make a life-changing difference. Working with Dr. Kue and the RHAD team, Artemis investigates health disparities, PTSD, and transgenerational trauma affecting marginalized and vulnerable populations, aiming to implement evidence-based practices. She also contributes to the SWFCCC community outreach events and programs, providing accessible cancer screenings that can potentially save lives.