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Jennifer Kue

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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.

Jen Kue

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

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.

Ha Nguyen

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

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

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.

  • The Mo-Bull Community Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Project

    Funding Agency: Sylvester, Moffitt, and UFHCC Community Implementation Grant
    Role: Principal Investigator

    This project aims to increase breast and cervical cancer screening in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties through mobile mammography and Pap test screenings. In collaboration with the FBCCEDP Pasco County, SWFCCC HPV and Cervical Cancer Workgroup, and the University of South Florida College of Nursing Mo-Bull Nurse Medical Clinic, Dr. Kue and her team will provide mammograms and Pap testing in at least three community events in the target counties from February 2024 - January 2025.

    Intergenerational Refugee and Immigrant Women’s Cancer Screening Project

    Funding Agency: American Cancer Society, Research Scholar Grant (RSG – CPHPS 131811)
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0486771
    Role: Principal Investigator 

    The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a culturally salient, tailored navigation intervention delivered by bilingual and bicultural Community Health Advisors (CHAs) to increase age-appropriate breast and cervical cancer screening completion among intergenerational Southeast Asian refugee and immigrant women (mother-daughter dyads) compared to an information and reminder only comparison group. We will examine the underlying factors that associate with the intervention that influence breast and cervical cancer screening completion. In addition, we will explore in greater detail the influence of intergenerational exchange of breast and cervical cancer screening information between mothers and daughters.

     

  • Racial Experiences of Asian Nurses’ Lives (REAL) Study

    Funding Agency: GKNF-USA Mi Ja Kim Research Grant
    Role: Co-Investigator (PI: Jun) 

     

    The Southeast Asian Women’s Health Project

    Funding Agency: NIH/NCI  
    Role: Principal Investigator

     

    Bhutanese Refugee Community Needs Assessment

    Funding Agency: OSU Center for Clinical and Translational Science
    Role: Principal Investigator

     

    Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening among the Hmong: Social, Cultural & System Factors

    Funding Agency: NIH/NCI
    Role: Co-Investigator (PI: Thorburn)

  • 2024

    2023

    • Dr. Jennifer Kue’s outstanding achievements in the field of patient engagement have earned her the prestigious Society of Behavioral Medicine Jessie Gruman Award for Health Engagement. This highly respected award recognizes Dr. Kue’s pivotal and extensive contributions to research, practice, and policies, which have significantly advanced our understanding of patient engagement.     
    • Dr. Kue was selected as a participant fellow for the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s 2023 Leadership Institute.

    2022

    • Dr. Kue was appointed as the Program Area Director for Europe and Asia, as part of the College of Nursing’s global engagement strategy. In her new role, Dr. Kue is responsible for leading the academic partnership between the College and the Kore University of Enna and the University of Catania in Sicily, further demonstrating her dedication to promoting global health and expanding educational opportunities for students.

    2021

    • Dr. Kue joined the faculty of the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

  • *Selected list of publications. For a full list of publications, please see CV.

    INTERGENERATIONAL REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT WOMEN’S CANCER SCREENING PROJECT 

    Kue, J., Tate, J., Szalacha, L. A., & Menon, U. (2024). A randomized controlled trial of a tailored navigation intervention to promote breast and cervical cancer screening among intergenerational Southeast Asian women. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 37, 101248. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101248 

    SOUTHEAST ASIAN WOMEN’S HEALTH PROJECT 

    Kue, J., Szalacha, L., Rechenberg, K., Nolan, T.S., & Menon, U. (2021). Communication among Southeast Asian mothers and daughters about cervical cancer prevention. Nursing Research, 20(5S Suppl 1), S73-S83. doi: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000531 

    Kue, J., Szalacha, L.A., Happ, M.B., & Menon, U. (2020). Perceptions of cervical cancer and screening behavior among Cambodian and Lao women in the United States: An exploratory, mixed-methods study. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 31(2), 889-908. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2020.0067. 

    Kue, J., Szalacha, L.A., Happ, M.B., Crisp, A.L., & Menon, U. (2018). Culturally relevant human subjects protection training: A case study in community-engaged research in the United States. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 20(1), 107-114. doi: 10.1007/s10903-017-0548-x

    BHUTANESE REFUGEE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

    MacDowell, H., Pyakurel, S., Acharya, J., Morrison-Beedy, D., & Kue, J. (2020). Perceptions toward mental illness and seeking psychological help among Bhutanese refugees resettled in the U.S. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 41(3), 243-250. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2019.1646362  

    Kue, J., Hanegan, H., & Tan, A. (2017). Perceptions of cervical cancer screening, screening behavior, and post-migration living difficulties among Bhutanese-Nepali refugee women in the United States. Journal of Community Health, 42(6), 1079–1089. doi: 10.1007/s10900-017-0355-2 

    HMONG BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING PROJECT 

    Kue, J., Zukoski, A., Keon, K.L., & Thorburn, S. (2014). Breast and cervical cancer screening: Exploring perceptions and barriers with Hmong women and men in Oregon. Ethnicity and Health, 19(3), 311-327. doi: 10.1080/13557858.2013.776013 

    Thorburn, S., Kue, J., Keon, K.L., & Zukoski, A. (2013). “We don’t talk about it” and other interpersonal influences on Hmong women’s breast and cervical cancer screening decisions. Health Education Research, 28(5), 760-771. doi: 10.1093/her/cys115  

    Thorburn, S., Kue, J., Keon, K.L., & Lo, P. (2012). Medical mistrust and discrimination in health care: A qualitative study of Hmong women and men. Journal of Community Health, 37(4), 822-829. doi: 10.1007/s10900-011-9516-x  

    REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT HEALTH  

    Spurlock, E., Pickler, R., Ruiz, J., Ford, J., Gillespie, S., & Kue, J. (2023; e-pub before print). Associations among acculturation, acculturative stress, experience of discrimination and cesarean birth in Mexican American women. Hispanic Healthcare International. 

    Kue, J., Thorburn, S., & Szalacha, L.A. (2016). Perceptions of risk for hepatitis B infection among the Hmong. Hmong Studies Journal, 17, 1-24. doi: http://hmongstudies.org/KueThorburnSzalachaHSJ17.pdf  

    Kue, J., & Thorburn, S. (2013). Hepatitis B knowledge, screening, and vaccination among Hmong Americans. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 24(2), 566-578. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2013.0081 

    CANCER CONTROL AND PREVENTION 

    Hanna, K., Arredondo, B.L., Chavez, M.N., Geiss, C., Hume, E., Szalacha, L., Christy, S.M., Vadaparampil, S., Menon, U., Islam, J., Hong, Y.R., Alishahi Tabriz, A., Kue, J., & Turner, K. (2022). Cancer screening among rural and urban clinics during COVID-19: A multistate qualitative study. JCO Oncology Practice, 18(6), e1045-e1055. doi: 10.1200/OP.21.00658.  

    Menon, U., Szalacha, L.A., Kue, J., Herman, P., Bucho-Gonzalez, J., & Larkey, L. (2020). Effects of a community-to-clinic navigation intervention on colorectal cancer screening among underserved people. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 54(5), 308-319. doi: 10.1093/abm/kaz049  

    Klemanski, D.L., Browning, K.K., & Kue, J. (2016). Survivorship care plan preferences of cancer survivors and health care providers: A systematic review and quality appraisal of the evidence. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 10(1), 71-86. doi: 10.1007/s11764-015-0452-0 

    COMMUNITY-ENGAGED RESEARCH  

    Kue, J., Thai, A., Tate, J., Galliers, B., Szalacha, L., Chanhmany, P., & Menon, U. (2023). Community-engaged research disruption: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research with communities. Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action, 17(4), 629-636. doi:  https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/914119

    Kue, J., Szalacha, L.A., Happ, M.B., Crisp, A.L., & Menon, U. (2018). Culturally relevant human subjects protection training: A case study in community-engaged research in the United States. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 20(1), 107-114. doi: 10.1007/s10903-017-0548-x  

    Kue, J., Pyakurel, S., & Yotebieng, K. (2016). Building community-engaged research partnerships with Bhutanese-Nepali refugees: Lessons learned from a community health needs assessment project. Practicing Anthropology, 38(4), 37-40. doi: 10.17730/0888-4552.38.4.12 

    HEALTH EQUITY

    Nair, U.S., Kue, J., Athilingam, P., Rodríguez, C.S., & Menon, U. (2023). Application of the ConNECT Framework to achieve digital health equity. Nursing Outlook, 71(4), 101991. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2023.101991

    Ford, J.L., Williams, K.P., & Kue, J. (2021). Racism, stress, and health. Nursing Research, 20 (5S Suppl 1), S1-S2. doi: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000534  

    Bower, J.K., Butler, B.N., Bose-Brill, S., Kue, J., & Wassel, C.L. (2019). Racial/ethnic differences in diabetes screening and hyperglycemia among US women after gestational diabetes. Preventing Chronic Disease, 16(E145), 1-10. doi: 10.5888/pcd16.190144 

    SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH  

    Kue, J., & Browning, K.K. (2022, August 30). Social and community context matter in cancer care. ONS Voice. https://voice.ons.org/news-and-views/social-and-community-context-matter-in-cancer-care  

    Bechtel, N., Jones, A., Kue, J., & Ford, J. (2022). Evaluation of the Core 5 social determinants of health screening and referral on emergency department use. Public Health Nursing, 39(2), 438-445. doi: 10.1111/phn.12983  

    DeMarco, M., Thorburn, S., & Kue, J. (2009). "In a country as affluent as America, people should be eating": Experiences with and perceptions of food insecurity among rural and urban Oregonians. Qualitative Health Research, 19(7), 1010-1024. doi: 10.1177/1049732309338868 

    GLOBAL HEALTH  

    Daniel, D., Wickerham, A., Fitzgerald, E.A., & Kue, J. (2023). Interventions to eliminate cervical cancer in Nicaragua: An integrative review of the literature. Hispanic Health Care International: The official journal of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, 21(2), 104–113. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/15404153221081280


    Kue, J., Bersani, A., Stevenson, K., Yimer, G., Wang, S., Gebreyes, W.,…Balada-Llasat, J.M. (2021). Standardizing clinical culture specimen collection in Ethiopia: A training-of-trainers. BMC Medical Education, 21(195), 1-8. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-021-02631-w  

    Fitzgerald, E.A., Marzalik, P.R., & Kue, J. (2018). Assessing intercultural development pre- and post education abroad. Journal of Nursing Education, 57(12), 747-750. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20181119-08 

     

     

     

  • Jennifer Kue, PhD
    College of Nursing
    University of South Florida
    jkue3@usf.edu
    Phone: (813) 974-8427