Learn about our other projects
Maternal Mental Health
Research is sorely needed to investigate innovative approaches to maternal mental health promotion amongst Black women, who have the highest rates of adverse maternal health outcomes (e.g., maternal mortality), lower utilization of and access to prenatal care, and significant lifetime and chronic stress exposure that increases the risk of maternal depression.
Through a survey of Black women throughout the United States, this project aims to answer the question: How well are digital health platforms meeting the mental health needs of Black women, and how can they be designed to better meet their needs?
This project is funded through a seed grant from Georgia Tech.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Andrea Parker
Co-Investigators: Dr. Rasheeta Chandler & Dr. Natalie Hernandez
In another project, we are using mixed methods (surveys, social media analyses, and hair cortisol and skin conductance response measurement) to measure the burden to Black mothers of the chronic stress of dual pandemics: structural racism and discrimination (SRD) and COVID 19.
This project is funded through a grant from the NIH.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Natalie Hernandez
Co-Investigators: Dr. Rasheeta Chandler, Dr. Andrea Parker & Dr. Sierra Carter
Savvy HER
Black women have the second highest rate of all new HIV infections in the U.S. after men who have sex with men, and they account for 69% of all HIV diagnoses among women in the South (e.g., Georgia).
In this project, we are developing and evaluating Savvy HER (Sexual/HIV Empowerment Resource), an evidence-based and theory-driven mobile application (app), specifically designed for PrEP-eligible Black women. This study aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the app. This study will inform a subsequent RCT (R01) to determine the effectiveness and efficacy of the mobile app on uptake of HIV prevention behaviors.
This project is funded through a grant from the NIH.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Rasheeta Chandler
Co-Investigators: Dr. Natalie Hernandez, Dr. Andrea Parker & Dr. Sierra Carter
More projects from our team
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Synergistic Sisters in Science
Our research team investigates how digital health innovations can be designed to support the wellbeing of women, with a particular focus on effecting equitable outcomes in women’s reproductive, sexual, and maternal health. We are a group of synergistic researchers from Georgia Tech, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Emory University.
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Wellness Technology Lab
This research group, directed by Dr. Andrea Parker, examines how novel interactive computing systems can help promote health equity. We engage in the community-based design, development, and evaluation of innovative software tools for populations who disproportionately experience poor health and barriers to wellness.
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Center for Maternal Health Equity
The Center for Maternal Health Equity at Morehouse School of Medicine is directed by Dr. Natalie Hernandez. The Center’s work focuses on a variety of topics, including a rural maternal health residency program and maternal near misses.