Reducing health disparities through research, education, and community engagement
The Community Research Advisory Board (CRAB) is a group of faculty and community stakeholders that host monthly meetings to provide consultation to researchers interested in engaging community members in research projects. The CRAB aims to ensure that research studies are culturally sensitive and relevant.
What is the CRAB?
The CRAB is a body established in 2001 with the mission to advise researchers on how best to engage vulnerable and historically underrepresented populations in problem solving and foster collaboration among those populations and researchers interested in addressing health inequities.
Who serves on the CRAB?
Community members, service providers, and academics with a shared interest in research being responsive to community needs and being conducted in a culturally appropriate and ethical manner.
How can CRAB benefit you?
Over 90 researchers have presented research proposals or funded research projects to the CRAB seeking guidance on:
- development of proposals and study design
- minority recruitment
- the design and content of recruitment materials
- how to address bad research experiences with minority populations
- how best to inform underrepresented populations about their research
- developing a systematic recruitment strategy
- identifying community organizations for partnered research
CRAB Members
- Dr. Maria Abunto, The Equity Impact Center
joined 2024 - Donna Alexander, Women of Vision; Pitt African Heritage Classroom Committee
joined 2011 - Aleta Barnett, NAMI Director of Mental Health, Equity and Community Engagement
joined 2024 - Roderick Blair, Homewood Community Member
joined 2020 - Carol Brackett, Retired, Allegheny County DHS/Area Agency on Aging; Black Women's Policy Center, AKA
joined 2011 - Lora Ann Bray, Pitt Public Health CHE Manager; CRAB Liaison
joined 2014 - Mario Browne, Retired, Associate Dean for Equity, Engagement, and Justice, Pitt Pharmacy; Community CRAB Co-Chair
founding member, 2001 - Aurelia Carter, Community Care Behavioral Health; Disability Advocate
joined 2013 - Jackie Dixon, RAD Ambassador; Retired GE Corporate Officer
founding member, 2001 - Dr. Patricia I. Documet, Retired, Pitt Public Health Faculty Member
joined 2006 - Victoria Garner, School Administration, The Neighborhood Academy
joined 2018 - Nneka Hawthorne, Allegheny County DSH, Office of Equity & Engagement; Black Girls Run
joined 2024 - Dr. Alaina J. James, Medical Dermatologist, Skin-Mind-Health Community Practice Holistic Clinic
joined 2021 - Elaine Jenkins, Pgh Black Nurses In Action; President, AARP Hill District Chapter; Gateway Medical Society
joined 2011 - Dr. Noble Maseru, Professor, Public Health Practice; Director, Social Justice, Racial Equity and Faculty Engagement, Pitt Schools of the Health Sciences
joined 2017 - Dr. Dara Mendez, Pitt Public Health CHE Associate Director; Faculty Member, Department of Epidemiology
joined 2009 - George Moses, Community Advocate
joined 2025 - Dr. Sandra Murray, Faculty, Pitt School of Medicine
founding member, 2001 - Maria Alexandra Hernandez Rincon, Casa San Jose
joined 2025 - Dr. Sharon Ross, Pitt School of Education, Faculty Member, Department of Health & Physical Activity
joined 2015 - Dr. Camilo Ruiz, University of Connecticut, Department of Anthropology
joined 2025 - Janine Jelks-Seale, Director of Health Equity, UPMC Health Plan; Black Girls Do Bike
joined 2024 - Lorraine Starsky, Retired ACHD Nurse; Project Destiny
joined 2019 - Dr. Victor Talisa, Data Scientist and Faculty Member, Pitt Department of Critical Care Medicine; Academic CRAB Co-Chair
joined 2015 - Cheryl Walker, Retired ED, MYDC; Community Liaison in North View Heights
joined 2019