Acquel Allen-Mitchell, M.P.H., M.B.A., a Ph.D. in public health candidate in the social and behavioral sciences concentration at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, was selected as a Cohort Sistas Graduate Fellow.
According to the Cohort Sistas website, the organization was established during the pandemic to foster inclusive pathways to advanced research doctorates by enhancing the recruitment, retention, success and well-being of historically excluded scholars, especially Black women. Cohort Sistas provides digital resources, personalized mentorship and a supportive network to doctoral students, applicants and degree holders.
In her current work, Allen-Mitchell seeks to investigate the impact of gentrification on health in the United States. Her research intends to engage minoritized community members and build their resilience. She is mentored by Brittney Dixon, Ph.D., M.P.H., a clinical assistant professor of health services research, management and policy and director of the Bachelor of Public Health program. Their collaborations have focused on projects related to the built environment and healthy food affordability. Allen-Mitchell has also contributed to research projects on tobacco-related health inequalities among Black Americans, sexual violence training among military members, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities.