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.

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.

Apply Today

Current Students

Research Students

Vaishnavi Rayannavar profile photo

Vaishnavi Rayannavar

Year: Senior
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.
Abigail Stevens profile photo

Abby Stevens

Year: OMS-II
College: College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research Interests: Community-engaged research supporting the aging population and direct care workers.

Natalie Morgan

Year: OMS-II
College: College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research Interest: Addressing challenges direct care workers face to enhance healthcare delivery and support the workforce 

Zoya Malik

Year: OMS-II 
College: College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research Interest: Community Health and Community-Based Interventions, Vaccine Access and Disparities, Pediatric and Adolescent Health, Healthcare Access and Barriers to Care.

Shayan Qurashi

Year: OMS-II
College: College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research Interest: My research interests include healthy aging, particularly how preventive care and lifestyle factors help preserve physical function and quality of life in older adults.

Pardu Kudumula

Major: Data Science
College: College of Natural Science
Research Interest: Applying data science and machine learning to understand workforce shortages, turnover, and retention in Michigan’s direct care workforce.

Asim Dar

Year: OMS-II
College: College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research Interest: Clinically focused research examining healthcare disparities, access to care, and patient outcomes among underserved populations. Particularly interested in identifying systemic barriers to quality care and improving health equity across Michigan communities.

2025-2026 Cohort

  • Anthony Mina, Neuroscience Major
  • Kamalika Gogineni, Human Biology Major
  • Madeline Moreno, College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • James St.Clair, College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Chloe Lohman, College of Osteopathic Medicine