The goal of the CDIS Summer Internship Program is to introduce or strengthen research skills, professional development skills, and knowledge of implementation science of undergraduates or those who have recently graduated.
Katherine G. Merrill, Jacqueline Silva, Jaime Atadero, Ivy Lee Hung, Susana Salgado, Jennifer K. Cano, Veronica Nabor, Angela Sedeño, Sara Vargas, Gisel Romero, Carol Perez, Jamison Merrill, Jeff DeCelles, Jacqueline Fuentes, Kate Florence, Laura Rodriguez, Corin Mora, Ana A. Baumann, Kate Guastaferro, Geri R. Donenberg|Posted on October 10, 2025
A new study led by Dr. Katherine Merrill used theater testing to evaluate the Floreciendo intervention for Latina teens and caregivers, confirming high satisfaction and identifying key refinements for future implementation.
Katherine G. Merrill, Jacqueline Silva, Wendy Chu, Gisel Romero, Vanessa Melgoza, Blanca Gabino, Corin Mora, Sara Vargas, Jacqueline Fuentes, Caitlin Kelleher-Montero, Nicholle Courrejolles, Kate Guastaferro, Felicia Scott-Wellington, Susana Salgado, Angela Sedeño|Posted on October 10, 2025
A new study led by Dr. Katherine Merrill pilots Floreciendo, a sexual and reproductive health intervention for Latina teens and caregivers, combining family-based strategies and community partnerships.
The Dissemination & Implementation Science Summer Program in Chicago (D&I in CHI) is a 10-week internship designed to provide undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students with hands-on research experience and mentorship in the growing field of…
Ashley Kendall, Donald Hedeker, Kathleen Diviak, Robin Mermelstein|Posted on June 03, 2025
This six-year study shows more frequent cigarette use among adolescents—especially boys—leads to greater mood stability, both during and outside smoking.
Ashley Kendall, Emily Pela, Danielle Amonica, Erin Jaworski, Brenikki Floyd, the AIM+ Community Advisory Board|Posted on June 03, 2025
CDIS researchers are piloting Bodhi AIM+, a meditation app for professionals working with youth in the legal system. This new study evaluates how digital tools can reduce stress, support emotional regulation, and improve workplace well-being.
Simon B Goldberg, Ashley D Kendall, Matthew J Hirshberg, Cortland J Dahl, Inbal Nahum-Shani, Richard J Davidson, Bethany C Bray|Posted on April 21, 2025
A new study co-authored by CDIS faculty Dr. Ashley D. Kendall and Dr. Bethany C. Bray explores how different definitions of app “dosage” affect the link between meditation app use and psychological distress.
Natasha Crooks, Geri Donenberg, Jessica Ogwumike, Jacqueline Silva, Ebere Udeogu, Emily Pela, Crystal Patil|Posted on April 21, 2025
A recent publication led by Dr. Natasha Crooks presents the protocol for the IMAGE study, a randomized trial evaluating a family-based HIV/STI prevention program tailored for Black girls and their male caregivers in Chicago.
Katherine G Merrill, Jacqueline Fuentes, Jamison Merrill, Jeff DeCelles, Jacqueline Silva, Angela Sedeño, Susana Salgado, Sara Vargas, Jennifer K Cano, Veronica Nabor, Laura Rodriguez, Vanessa Melgoza, Corin Mora, Ana A Baumann, Kate Guastaferro, Geri R Donenberg|Posted on April 14, 2025
Researchers adapted Floreciendo with community input to better support Latina teens and caregivers in sexual and reproductive health.
Katherine G Merrill, Jacqueline Silva, Angela Sedeño, Susana Salgado, Sara Vargas, Jennifer K Cano, Veronica Nabor, Jamison C Merrill, Jeff DeCelles, Kate Guastaferro, Ana A Baumann, Jacqueline Fuentes, Laura Rodriguez, Vanessa Melgoza, Geri R Donenberg|Posted on April 07, 2025
A culturally grounded sexual health program adapted for Latinx teens and caregivers through community collaboration.
Violeta J. Rodriguez, Erin Emerson, Millicent Atujuna, Anelisiwe Ngcuka, Erin Jaworski, Pippa Macdonald, Linda-Gail Bekker, Geri Donenberg|Posted on February 26, 2025
Mental health disorders often emerge during adolescence, yet there is limited research validating commonly used screening tools for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the
We are thrilled to welcome Sybil Hosek, PhD, as the new Director of the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science (CDIS). With over 20 years of experience in HIV research and adolescent health, Dr. Hosek will lead CDIS in advancing health e
Summersett Williams F, Zaniletti I, Masonbrink AR, Garofalo R, Rahmandar M, Karnik NS, Donenberg G, Kuhns L|Posted on December 10, 2024
Explore a groundbreaking study by Dr. Fatih Summersett Williams and Dr. Geri Donenberg on the rise of substance use-related emergency department visits among youth with chronic conditions during COVID-19.
Matthews AK, Duangchan C, Afuko J, Opuada H, Donenberg G|Posted on December 10, 2024
Dr. Geri Donenberg and the MiQUIT CARE study team highlight the need for enhanced training and systemic support to improve smoking cessation outcomes among underserved populations, focusing on healthcare providers' use of state tobacco quitlines.
The goal of the CDIS Summer Internship Program is to introduce or strengthen research skills, professional development skills, and knowledge of implementation science of undergraduates or those who have recently graduated.
Dr. Geri Donenberg, former CDIS director and UIC research leader, has been appointed as the NIH Associate Director of AIDS Research. Her groundbreaking work in HIV prevention and commitment to health equity have shaped the field.
Natasha Crooks, PhD, Kimberly Sanker-Panchal, EdD, Annette Okafor, BS, Di’Avionne Irving, Randi Singer, PhD, Geri Donenberg, PhD|Posted on November 14, 2024
This new publication highlights the need for tailored healthcare guidelines to address the unique challenges Black girls face in sexual and reproductive health.
Ashley Kendall, Ph.D., and the MindfulTech Lab in CDIS received 2 R01 grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand their work systematically implementing and evaluating app-based meditation programs in the juvenile legal system.
“CDIS faculty, Julie Bobitt, PhD and Dennis Watson, PhD and colleagues recently published an article in the Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM) Education and Training Journal on “Incorporating implementation science principles into curricular design.”
