We are excited to introduce our newest staff member Sheena Fryerson to the Swetland Community! Her role as Community-engaged Researcher will support research within the Food Systems Change Fellowship of the foodNEST 2.0 study and center-wide efforts aimed at evaluating our community-engaged approach. Read more about her background at her bio and find her responses to our new staff questions below!
Where are you from? I was born, raised, and spent a bulk of my childhood in the Mount Pleasant and Slavic Village area.
What is your background in? I have a cumulative 15 years of scientific research experience, beginning in molecular biology (recombinant DNA techniques, cancer biology research, and surveillance of Class A,B,C biohazardous agents in a BSL-2, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) laboratory as well as H1N1-H3N1 control creation. After receiving the MPH, I engaged in studies that measured HIV/AIDS acquisition and violence exposure. This led to working in violence prevention and engaging communities that serviced families who were victims of violence and trauma in the Cleveland area.
What excites you about joining the Swetland Center? I am excited to join a team of researchers (with rich and diverse backgrounds) that are examining the social environment, health disparities, and food security within the community in which I grew up with the intent to inform equitable policies.
What is your favorite outdoor space in Cleveland? When weather permits, I really enjoy working and spending time in my home vegetable garden in my backyard.
What is a piece of advice you have been given or quote/statement that is significant to you? "Feed your faith and starve your fear"
Article Date
February 03, 2021
