Community Health Engagement and Empowerment Research

“Today we had a journal club with students working on faculty projects. We read one of Jen's (Dr. Jennifer Lucarelli) papers – influences on decision making about diet and physical activity in Hispanic/Latino participants. If any of you were there, your hearts would be beaming with happiness – students connecting ideas from the paper to hematology and ethics/wellbeing classes, discussing how they could use these ideas in their future health professional careers. One student did not realize the class time had ended and said, ‘I live for these discussions’.”

This message from Dr. Emily Van Wasshenova, coordinator of the CHEER Lab, to her fellow faculty demonstrates the impact that the CHEER Lab is having on future health professionals.

The School of Health Sciences’ Community Health Engagement and Empowerment Research Lab – better known as the CHEER Lab – was established in 2019 by Dr. Jennifer Lucarelli (Associate Professor – Interdisciplinary Health Sciences) to provide undergraduate students with research skills training, as well as opportunities to engage in real-world health research and service through faculty-led research projects. 

In 2021, Dr. Emily Van Wasshenova, Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, became the Lab coordinator. “Getting involved in research as an undergraduate can be intimidating for some students,” she says. “CHEER Lab offers students a way to learn about research in a supportive environment and continues to support students as they work with faculty mentors.”

For CHEER students Riyam Alnaseri, Garrett Belding and Kimberly Campbell, their connection and collaboration with faculty has provided them with exceptional experience and connection for their future careers.

Riyam Alnaseri (Health Sciences – Pre-health Professional Studies, class of December 2024)

Riyam Alnaseri discovered the CHEER Lab as a transfer student. Aspiring to become a physician researcher, and inspired by Dr. Van Wasshenova’s enthusiasm and love for research, Alnaseri didn’t hesitate to join. During her undergraduate education, Alnaseri worked extensively with Dr. Edward Rohn on his qualitative research project regarding decision-making for persons with spinal cord injury. Beginning as a volunteer and then transitioning into the role of Undergraduate Research Assistant, Alnaseri took on responsibilities such as conducting a scoping review, editing transcripts, recruiting patients, collecting data, analyzing body language and more.

Dr. Rohn identifies that Alnaseri has been a critical addition to his project. “Riyam has shown dedication and care in everything she does,” he says. “She has shown strong leadership qualities in guiding other CHEER Lab students, and I believe that her exposure to clinical spaces through our data has helped her gain a richer understanding of doctoring, better preparing her for a future in medicine.”

Alnaseri recognizes that the support of her CHEER Lab mentors, Drs. Rohn and Van Wasshenova, have been pivotal in growing her network and developing her understanding of the research process. “Dr. Van’s guidance has been invaluable in helping me establish a basis in research,” Alnaseri says, “while Dr. Rohn has provided guidance that deepens my practical skill in qualitative research.” Alnaseri has also had the opportunity to connect with other faculty members and medical professionals through her involvement in the project.

Alnaseri’s research experience has been vital to her career development, particularly as it relates to doctor-patient interactions. “Recruiting patients has provided me with opportunities to hear patient stories and gain insights into their perspectives, which will improve my communication skills as a future doctor,” Alnaseri says. “The research experience has also refined my critical thinking and analytical skills, while reinforcing my desire to contribute to health care through both practice and research.”

Garrett Belding (Exercise Science – Pre-physical Therapy, class of December 2025)

After seeing first-hand the detrimental impacts of a lack of exercise through various personal experiences, Garrett Belding left his Emergency Medical Technician job to return to college, studying exercise science and pursuing research that “makes the world a better place.” Working with Dr. Joshua Haworth, Belding previously recruited study participants for a Type 2 Diabetes and Balance study. He now is working on two separate studies regarding the Knee Crutch as it relates to gait and speed. Belding had the opportunity to attend the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) National Conference, an experience that inspires him even today to put in the time and effort to continue to succeed. 

“Garrett is forward thinking and committed to his role in providing well-evidenced care,” says Dr. Haworth. “He is always eager to learn and was able to jump into our research as an active contributor, and proceeded to lead a team of student researchers to develop a new experiment. I have the utmost confidence that he will provide a meaningful impact to medicine with deep care for improving patients' lives.”

Belding is tremendously grateful to his mentors through the CHEER Lab, Drs. Joshua Haworth and Emily Van Wasshenova. “Without their leadership, feedback and guidance, I would not be nearly as successful or engaged as I am now with higher education,” Belding states. “I have received many opportunities, and the insight to see where those opportunities could lead.”

The experiences Belding has gained through the CHEER Lab have helped him develop an exceptionally strong foundation for his future goals. “During my undergraduate degree, I will have produced several research papers and abstracts that I can continue working on and publish as I pursue my graduate degree,” Belding says. “By the time I finish my DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy), I should have a strong enough resume to apply for grants and solve movement science problems on a larger scale than I ever could with clinical licensure alone.”

Kimberly Campbell (Health Sciences – Pre-health Professional Studies, class of May 2025)

Kimberly Campbell recognizes that research is how health care advances. Driven by a desire to play a role in this critical area, Campbell joined the CHEER Lab to begin making an impact during her undergraduate education. Campbell works with Dr. Kathryn Rougeau in the Affective Change and Exercise Science (ACE) Laboratory, which aims to investigate relationships between physical activity and emotional affect within diverse populations. 

Campbell is grateful for the opportunity to write her Honors College Thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Rougeau through the CHEER Lab. “I was able to choose which measures that I want to focus on and analyze data to draw conclusions on,” Campbell explains. “I am very thankful for the opportunity with Dr. Rougeau, and for Dr. Van Wasshenova for running the CHEER Lab that introduced me to research methods and provided the opportunity to become involved in a faculty project.”

Having a faculty mentor has greatly furthered Campbell’s knowledge and interest in research, providing support and opportunities, such as presenting her research abstract at the Midwestern Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (MWACSM) conference, as well as writing her Honors College Thesis on the study the ACE Lab conducted. 

Dr. Rougeau says, “I am incredibly proud of Kimberly for presenting this research at the 2024 MWACSM conference. This significant milestone allowed Kimberly to share her Honors College project with a broader academic audience, gain insightful feedback and network with professionals in the field.” She adds, “Kimberly’s accomplishment reflects the ongoing mission to empower students to contribute to meaningful research and become future leaders in health and wellness.”

“This would never have been possible without the encouragement and support of Dr. Rougeau and my knowledge from the CHEER Lab course,” Campbell says. “Dr. Rougeau has helped me step out of my comfort zone and provided me with opportunities that I did not know were possible at the undergraduate level.”

Creating leaders – in purpose for Health

From 2022-2024, the CHEER Lab has provided research training to 40 students, with 34 of those proceeding to work on faculty-led research projects, and even more are currently being matched with faculty. 

Dr. Van Wasshenova loves the lightbulb moments involved in the CHEER Lab. “The best part is when students relate what they’re learning in CHEER Lab or their research projects with their future careers,” she says passionately. “Through the connection to faculty and research experience, the Lab promotes a framework of knowledge and curiosity that prepares them to impact community health and serve as leaders in a variety of health and wellness practices.”

To support SHS students who are pursuing research and presenting at conferences through the CHEER Lab, visit the Giving website, select SHS-Gifts - School of Health Sciences for Faculty & Student Research (32324) and note in the comments that your donation is in support of the CHEER Lab.

Visit the CHEER Lab website to learn more about the program and student-faculty projects.