IMPART Scholars Lab
Program Overview
The IMPART Scholars Lab offers Michigan State University students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in applied research focused on the Direct Care Workforce and health policy. The Lab is designed for students interested in health, economics, public policy, aging, workforce studies, and related fields who want to apply research skills to real-world challenges.
As a Scholar, you will work directly with faculty, staff, and partners across IMPART Alliance on policy-driven research projects. You’ll explore topics such as healthcare policy analysis, workforce development, technology in care delivery, aging, and family caregiving while building practical skills in survey design, data analysis, and policy research. The Lab provides a supportive environment to develop research experience that prepares you for graduate school, professional careers, and beyond, with opportunities to contribute to posters, papers, and publications that have real impact on healthcare and workforce policy.
Current Students
Madeline Moreno
Year: OMS-II
College: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research Interests: patient centered care, healthcare teams
Vaishnavi Rayannavar
Major: Human Biology
College: Lyman Briggs College
Research Interests: Direct care worker (DCW) workforce gender dynamics, electronic visit verification (EVV) systems, and digital literacy in caregiving and academic caregiving populations.
Abby Stevens
College: College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research Interests: Community-engaged research supporting the aging population and direct care workers
Anthony Mina
Major: Neuroscience
College: College of Natural Science
Research Interests: The moral labour of direct care workers; Also interested in efficiently reshaping Michigan’s direct care landscape.
Kamalika Gogineni
Major: Human Biology
College: Natural Science
Research Interests: I am interested in clinically focused research addressing healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations, including Medicaid and Medicare patients. I am particularly interested in workforce and system-level challenges in Michigan healthcare and how these factors impact quality of care, patient outcomes, and health equity.
Apply to the Scholars Lab
Students in the IMPART Scholars Lab typically commit at least 5 hours per week for one semester. Participation includes attending lab meetings, collaborating with project supervisors, and contributing to assigned research tasks. Students who enjoy the experience and demonstrate strong engagement may have the opportunity to continue in the Lab for additional semesters, depending on project needs.