St. Thomas, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Department of Health, in proud partnership with the University of Miami – Miller School of Medicine, hosted its second annual CREW Research Symposium on Tuesday. It marked the culmination of an intensive eight-week summer program designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in the USVI.
“Today we’re here to celebrate the scientific accomplishments of our 2025 cohort of the Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce Program,” said Sonjia Kenya, Ed.D., CREW Program Director and a professor of general medicine and public health at the University of Miami – Miller School of Medicine. “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.”
Eight outstanding USVI college students with health-related majors successfully completed the 2025 CREW program this week. The program included a two-week residency at the University of Miami followed by immersive research and training at the University of the Virgin Islands’ St. Thomas campus.
The 2025 CREW graduates are:
- Uchenna Ferris, University of the Virgin Islands, Nursing Major
- Cy Taylor, University of Central Florida, Biomedical Sciences Major
- Josue Lima II, Georgia State University, Biology Major
- Jada Dickerson, Georgetown University, Human Science
- Nefertari Henry, Lincoln University, Biology Major
- V’Kesha Adams, Howard University, Nursing Major
- Keziah Wattley, University of the Virgin Islands, Nursing Major
- Reem Mohamad, University of the Virgin Islands, Psychology Major
Student mentors Chaenelle Ravariere and Kendra Calpano Butler, who were part of the inaugural 2024 CREW program, also played vital roles in guiding the cohort throughout their research journey.
During the symposium, these scholars presented their original, student-led research projects to Miller School of Medicine officials, local public health officials, government leaders and community members. The research projects addressed diverse aspects of cardiovascular disease in the Virgin Islands.
Dr. Kenya emphasized the importance of tackling the territory’s critical health disparities.
“Death by cardiovascular disease is 10 percent higher here than on the mainland,” she said. “These students are learning to confront those challenges head-on with research, data, and a deep-rooted commitment to community. Every project you hear today was conceptualized 100 percent by the scholars presenting them.”
Topics included:
- How Parenting Styles Impact Heart Health
- The Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Job-Related Stress
- The Association Between Healthcare Access Barriers and Hypertension Screening
- Cardiovascular Risks in Women Who Use Cannabis
- Links Between Anxiety and Hypertension In Adults
- Hidden Cardiovascular Risk in the USVI Related To BMI, Diagnosis, and Access to Care
Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms, Assistant Commissioner of Health, speaking on behalf of Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion, praised the cohort’s dedication.
“This day marks a significant milestone in the growth of cardiovascular research in the Virgin Islands. These bright minds have delved into complex research while committing themselves to the most pressing public health challenges of our time,” Dr. Syms said.
VI Department of Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, who was instrumental in launching the program in the USVI, encouraged the students to serve their home communities.
“Your islands need you—not just your degrees, but your cultural fluency, your commitment, and your lived understanding of what it means to call these islands home,” Dr. Hunte-Caesar said.
Also offering remarks was Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach, who applauded the students’ curiosity and commitment to inquiry.
“Your curiosity, I welcome it and encourage you to apply it across every area of your life,” Lt. Governor Roach said. “As our population and environment continue to change, it will be your questions — and your research — that help us understand and respond to these shifts.”
Program Awards were presented as follows:
- Academic Excellence Award – Reem Mohamad
- Leadership Award – Keziah Wattley
- Academic Persistence Award – Josue Lima II
- Community Engagement Award – Cy Taylor
- Best Research Project Award – Uchenna Ferris
The symposium was moderated by Lashonette Schjang, VI Department of Health’s Director of Health Advancement and USVI CREW Program Manager. Director Schjang coordinated the cohort’s curriculum which included presentations from various health care professionals, tours of the health network institutions, and facilitation of project completion. Health’s Assistant Commissioner, Reuben Molloy, closed the symposium with a note of congratulations to the future healthcare leaders.
The VI Department of Health and the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine jointly launched the CREW program in 2024 alongside the University of the Virgin of the Islands and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
The CREW Program is designed to build a homegrown healthcare workforce equipped to meet the territory’s unique challenges. Through strategic academic partnerships, real-world research, and community-centered mentorship, CREW continues to pave the way for Virgin Islands students to become leaders in health science and public service.
To view the 2025 Research Symposium, visit the VI Department of Health’s Facebook page @virginislandsDOH.
For more information about the CREW Program and how to apply, visit www.doh.vi.gov.
