I am a primary care physician who works with community partners to improve health in immigrant and minority communities. My research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is on understanding and reduce cardiovascular disease disparities in South Asian immigrants. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, bicycling, and reading fiction.
Steve Pearson (Research Administrator)
I am a research administrator who helps manage the study funds and work closely with the subcontractor sites and facilitate the timely payment of the invoices. In my spare time, I enjoy training for and running marathons.
Swapna Dave MPH, MBBS (SAB Co-Chair, Senior Scientific Manager, CorEvitas, LLC)
I am a Public Health professional with extensive experience working on community-based research, and manage multiple NIH funded research projects focused on cardiovascular health in the South Asian community. I am passionate about Public Health and serve on the Skokie Board of Health. Working on the SAHELI study is personally as well as professionally fulfilling since I can help improve the health of my community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and learning music with my daughter.
Fatima Saifi, MPH (Epidemiologist, Chicago Department of Public Health)
I am currently an Epidemiologist at the Chicago Department of Public Health. I previously worked at Northwestern University to pursue my interest in research and public health. I am passionate about reducing health disparities within the South Asian community and my goal is to make a positive impact through outreach and health education. In my free time, I enjoy watching health documentaries, spending time with my family and friends, and coaching lacrosse.
Nirav Shah, MD (Site Principal Investigator)
I am an infectious disease physician involved in numerous quality improvement and research projects at NorthShore University HealthSystem. My research focus is in predictive analytics and clinical informatics and I have a strong interest in population health. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two boys, reading, listening to music and traveling.
Hema Naik (Research Project Coordinator)
I am a Research Project Coordinator at Northwestern University. I completed my Masters in Public Health from Benedictine University. My passion to work for Public health was driven from my past experience of working in medicine. It gives me immense satisfaction to work for the South Asian community as they are very often underrepresented in the field of research. In my free time, I like to read, listen to music and spend time with my family.
Dushyant Sharma (Business Consultant, DAS Financial)
I am a research scientist who is interested in the relationship between epi-genetics and healthy aging. As a member of the SAHELI-SAB, I hope to gain more insight into this and associated positive health outcomes. I enjoy reading, listening to and playing devotional music.
Jagruti Rawal (Information Specialist, NorthShore University Health System)
I work at NorthShore University Health System PeriOp Business services in a non-clinical position, helping the patients and the community. Being a South Asian and a MASALA study participant, I understand the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Proper diet and exercise has helped me lower my blood glucose level. Being a part of the SAHELI study team, I can share my personal experiences and achieve my goal of helping the community.
Muhammad Paracha, MD, MPH (Executive Director, Asian Human Services Family Health Center)
I am an Executive Director of a Federally Qualified Health Center, an advocate and a strong supporter of healthcare equity for the Asian and immigrant population in the US. I enjoy reading, going to the gym, watching cricket and spending time with my children.
Radhika Sharma-Gordon (MPH Manager of Education and Outreach at Apna Ghar, Inc) (Coordinator of the Health Sciences Field Experience Program, Northeastern Illinois University)
I am a community health educator who has been working in the Chicago area since 1989 in a variety of community, county, and statewide nonprofit organizations. My work has focused on immigrant community health and violence prevention. I am drawn to the SAHELI study because I am a public health geek who wants to learn more about chronic disease risk and protective factors in South Asian communities. I live in Chicago and enjoy exploring the city, completing word games, and traveling with my family.
Rency Roy (Fitness Instructor, Skokie Park District)
I am a group fitness instructor that will be teaching the fitness classes for the participants of this research study. I will be designing fun classes that provide a great workout for people of all levels of experience. Being from a South Asian background and passionate about health and fitness, this research project is something I look forward to in our community.
Tanvi Shah (Program Manager, Chicago Jobs Council)
Sharmila Chatterjee (Registered Dietitian, Adult Endocrinology Medical Group)
Matthew O’Brien, MD (Assistant Professor of Medicine (General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics) & Preventive Medicine)
I am a primary care doctor and researcher focused on preventing diabetes and improving cardiovascular health in underserved communities. Most of my work has been based in U.S. Latino communities, including partnerships with non-profits, health systems, and other organizations. I like to bike to work (yes, all year round).
