US Virgin Islands students complete summer research program on cardiovascular health

On June 3, the United States Virgin Islands Department of Health, in partnership with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, hosted the second annual Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce (CREW) Research Symposium on St. Thomas. The event marked the conclusion of an eight-week summer program designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in the US Virgin Islands.

Eight students completed the 2025 CREW program: Uchenna Ferris, Cy Taylor, Josue Lima II, Jada Dickerson, Nefertari Henry, V’Kesha Adams, Keziah Wattley, and Reem Mohamad. The program began with a two-week residency at the University of Miami, followed by research and training at the University of the Virgin Islands. Student mentors from the 2024 cohort, Chaenelle Ravariere and Kendra Calpano Butler, provided guidance throughout.

The symposium featured original, student-led research projects on cardiovascular health, with topics including parenting styles and heart health, risks from job-related stress, barriers to hypertension screening, cannabis use in women, anxiety and hypertension, and hidden cardiovascular risks related to body mass index and access to care.

“Today we’re here to celebrate the scientific accomplishments of our 2025 cohort,” said Sonjia Kenya, EdD, CREW Program Director and professor at the University of Miami. “It is only our second year of training the future healthcare leaders in the territory, and already, CREW is becoming part of the academic fabric that shines a light on our brightest minds.”

Health Assistant Commissioner Nicole Craigwell-Syms, speaking on behalf of Commissioner Justa Encarnacion, praised the students’ work as a milestone in cardiovascular research. Chief Medical Officer Tai Hunte-Ceasar encouraged participants to bring their skills back to their communities, while Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach urged students to carry their curiosity into future endeavors.

Awards recognized student achievements: Reem Mohamad received the Academic Excellence Award, Keziah Wattley the Leadership Award, Josue Lima II the Academic Persistence Award, Cy Taylor the Community Engagement Award, and Uchenna Ferris the Best Research Project Award.

The event was moderated by Lashonette Schjang, the Department of Health’s Director of Health Advancement and USVI CREW Program Manager. Health Assistant Commissioner Reuben Molloy closed the symposium with congratulations to the students.

Launched in 2024 by the Department of Health and the University of Miami, with support from the University of the Virgin Islands and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the CREW program aims to build a homegrown healthcare workforce equipped to address the territory’s unique public health challenges.