Dr. Clark studies hydrogen sulfide metabolism and signaling in the context of wound healing and angiogenesis. The goal of his research is to advance understanding in order to develop novel therapies to promote neovascularization of at-risk wounds in the setting of aging, diabetes, obesity and peripheral artery disease. 

“My team and I work to leverage the power of a recently recognized molecule, hydrogen sulfide, to promote new vessel growth and healing. By better understanding the physiology, we hope to translate novel therapeutic strategies to the clinical setting, avoiding debilitating limb loss for those affected by diabetic complications." 

Dr. Krashin’s research focuses on early pregnancy complications in rural New Mexico and on identifying opportunities to improve care for patients in rural communities.

“Most research on maternal health occurs in urban academic centers or relies on national data to get a small glimpse into what’s happening in rural communities.  My work focuses on bringing the experience and needs of rural communities, patients, and healthcare systems to national attention, and partnering to improve women’s health.”  

Dr. De La Rosa’s overall objective is to develop innovative psychosocial interventions that improve health outcomes, quality of life, and functional resilience among individuals living with chronic pain and co-occurring mental health challenges. As a K-Scholar, she will conduct a feasibility pilot of a peer-supported chronic pain self-management intervention for primary care patients. She anticipates contributing actively to the advancement of national scientific and policy conversations surrounding chronic pain. 

“The United States’ mental health advocacy movement has been extremely successful and many people are living better lives as a result. However, among those whose mental health needs have not yet been effectively addressed, co-occurring chronic pain is not the exception; it is the rule. The needs of people living with chronic pain are too often left out of our national mental health conversation. My team's research suggests that meaningful engagement with the experience of chronic pain should be a pillar of our national mental health agenda going forward.”

Dr. Crawford's research and clinical work focuses largely on improving behavioral health care and access to psychological services related to perinatal and women's mental health and the effects of interpersonal trauma. She clinically supervises psychology interns, postdocs, and psychiatry residents. Dr. Crawford also provides research mentorship for learners in several departments.

“To be able to help people who may be feeling alone, in such a huge transitional period of their life, is really an honor. A lot of it comes down to providing a seed of hope to people who may be feeling hopeless, and coming alongside them, helping them find their way to a life worth living and thriving.”

Dr. Morenz is studying the real-world impact of clinic-based HPV self-collection on Cervical Cancer screening participation at El Rio Health, the largest community health center in Arizona. Using electronic health record data and qualitative interviews with clinic staff, this work will generate pragmatic evidence on whether this newly U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved screening approach increases screening uptake and expands access for patients served in community health center settings, including individuals who are uninsured or prefer Spanish-language care.

“Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet many patients—particularly those receiving care in safety-net and community health center settings—remain unscreened. HPV self-collection offers a promising, patient-centered approach to expand access to screening and support ongoing efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.”