Southern Miss Launches Graduate Training and Education Center to Advance Cardiovascular Health Research
Wed, 10/01/2025 - 09:44am
Dr. Felix Twum (left) and Dr. Jennifer Lemacks (right)
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) was awarded a $14.5 million contract to establish the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) Graduate Training and Education Center (GTEC), a pioneering initiative designed to prepare the next generation of scholars to tackle cardiovascular health disparities.
The Southern Miss GTEC will train 10 graduate students annually in cutting-edge cardiovascular and public health research. Through a two-year model that integrates classroom learning, mentorship and community-based research, participants will gain expertise in cardiovascular epidemiology, physiology, health disparities and community engagement. The program was developed by the College of Nursing and Health Professions’ (CNHP) Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health Research and Innovation.
“This program is about more than training scholars—it’s about building a pipeline of leaders who can drive solutions for one of Mississippi’s most pressing health challenges,” said Dr. Jennifer Lemacks, principal investigator, center director and CNHP associate dean for research and innovation. “Southern Miss has a long tradition of preparing Mississippians to lead in cardiovascular disease research, biostatistics and community engagement. The GTEC will strengthen that tradition by equipping a new generation of scholars to improve health outcomes across our state and beyond.”
Highlights of the GTEC include:
- A summer-intensive training in research methods, cardiovascular science and community engagement
- Year-round mentorship, workshops and peer-to-peer learning
- Leadership development and professional dissemination activities
- Opportunities for scholars to engage multi-stakeholders in the research process
Dr. Felix Twum, co-principal investigator and the School of Health Professions’ Epidemiology-Biostatistics program coordinator, emphasized the program’s rigorous preparation.
“Our GTEC program benefits from our rigorous epidemiology and biostatistics training accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Our academic experience ensures they graduate with the quantitative and analytical skills necessary to tackle today’s most pressing public health challenges with confidence and excellence.”
Dr. Lachel Story, dean of the CNHP, highlighted USM’s public health legacy.
“The Dr. Lynn Cook Hartwig Public Health Program at Southern Miss was the first public health program established in Mississippi. Today, this legacy continues with GTEC, further positioning USM as a leader in training the state’s public health workforce.”
Dr. Kelly Lucas, Southern Miss vice president for research, reflected on the broader research mission.
“USM’s community-engaged research is nationally recognized through our Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, and our designation as a Carnegie R1 research university affirms our commitment to innovation and impact. The GTEC builds squarely on this legacy, advancing our mission to link high-level science with the needs of Mississippi communities.”
The initiative builds on the university’s partnerships with the JHS Community Engagement Core, My Brother’s Keeper Inc. and Hattiesburg Clinic, ensuring training is rooted in community priorities and informed by real-world healthcare challenges.
“Our partnerships with trusted community organizations will allow scholars to gain practical experience and develop research that translates into meaningful health improvements,” said Lemacks.
The GTEC directly supports the mission of the JHS, the largest community-based investigation of cardiovascular disease among African Americans in the United States, and reflects USM’s commitment to developing the biomedical workforce and advancing health for all.
The project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. 75N92025D00039.
About the College of Nursing and Health Professions
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at The University of Southern Mississippi is an engaged interdisciplinary community of diverse students, staff, faculty and external partners dedicated to excellence in research, teaching and service. Through innovative and evidence-based practices, the College creates an educational environment that supports student success and prepares highly qualified professionals to improve health at the local, state, national and global levels. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram
About the Gulf South Center for Community Engaged Health Research and Innovation
The Gulf South Center for Community Engaged Health Research and Innovation is dedicated to improving health outcomes across Mississippi and the Gulf South by fostering collaborative research, community partnerships and workforce development. With a mission to reduce health disparities and promote healthy aging, the center brings together scientists, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. Its work focuses on addressing preventable chronic and infectious diseases that disproportionately impact Mississippi’s communities. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | X