The eight-week summer research fellowship is a partnership between the Virgin Islands Department of Health, the University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). Supported through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the program provides undergraduate students with hands-on research experience while inspiring them to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, public health, biomedical research, and other healthcare professions.

“The CREW Program is not only about research, but also about investing in the next generation of healthcare leaders for the Virgin Islands,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “Each year, CREW demonstrates what is possible when talented young Virgin Islanders are given the opportunity to learn, ask meaningful questions, and apply their knowledge to improving the health of our communities. We are very proud of this remarkable third cohort and look forward to welcoming many of them home as future physicians, nurses, scientists, public health professionals, and healthcare leaders.”

Throughout the summer, students worked alongside faculty, researchers, healthcare professionals, and community partners to examine health issues affecting Virgin Islanders, including healthcare access, stroke prevention, intimate partner violence and cardiovascular disease, workforce development, and community perceptions surrounding healthcare delivery. Their findings were presented before government officials, healthcare leaders, educators, family members, and community partners during the symposium.

Dr. Sonjia Kenya, Professor of Medicine and Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and CREW Director, said the program continues to demonstrate that investing in Virgin Islands students today will strengthen healthcare in the Territory for years to come.

“CREW is helping build a healthcare workforce that understands the unique needs of the Virgin Islands because these students know this community. They were raised here, care deeply about its future, and they want to make a difference,” said Dr. Kenya. “Watching our scholars grow into confident researchers while strengthening their commitment to returning home to serve has been one of the program’s greatest successes. Together with the Virgin Islands Department of Health and the University of the Virgin Islands, we are developing future healthcare leaders who will improve the health and well-being of these islands for generations to come.”

• Preparing the next generation of healthcare providers in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Cardiovascular disease and healthcare access in the U.S. Virgin Islands compared with the mainland United States.
• Preventing cardiovascular disease (stroke) through dietary changes and early recognition of skin conditions.
• The relationship between intimate partner violence and cardiovascular health.
• Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in the Virgin Islands.

The 2026 CREW cohort represents students pursuing careers across medicine, nursing, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, biology, and computer science:

• Ayaela Elaine Louis-Riley — University of the Virgin Islands, Biology
• Franchel Rodriguez — University of the Virgin Islands, Nursing
• Jadine Davis — University of the Virgin Islands, Nursing
• Kali Mills — University of the Virgin Islands, Computer Science
• Kashish Chainani — University of Southern California, Neuroscience
• Madelyn Avery — Columbia University, Biomedical Engineering
• Mirza Baig — University of the Virgin Islands, Biology
• Nancy Philistin — University of the Virgin Islands, Nursing
• Cy Taylor — University of Central Florida, Biomedical Sciences/Nanotechnology
• Josue Lima II— Georgia State University, Biology

Commissioner Encarnacion also recognized the University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, the University of the Virgin Islands, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, faculty mentors, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and the many partners whose collaboration has made the CREW Program a success.

CREW by the Numbers

• 3 successful cohorts of Virgin Islands undergraduate scholars since its inception in 2024
• 30 undergraduate students trained since the program’s inception
• 10 students completed the 2026 CREW Program
• 4 CREW alumni are currently enrolled in health professional schools
• 5 CREW scholars have presented research at academic health conferences

About the Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce (CREW) Program

The Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce (CREW) Program is a collaborative initiative of the Virgin Islands Department of Health, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and the University of the Virgin Islands, supported through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

The program is designed to inspire and prepare Virgin Islands undergraduate students for careers in healthcare, biomedical research, and public health through mentorship, hands-on research, and community-engaged learning. By connecting students with leading physicians, researchers, and local healthcare professionals, CREW is helping build a sustainable pipeline of future healthcare leaders committed to improving the health of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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