Program Staff

DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & COMMUNITY HEALTH, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Ifrah Biyoow is the Research & Analytics Specialist for the Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL) program. Ifrah is a research professional interested in research methodology, social epidemiology, and leadership development. She has worked in the public health arena since 2009 in various capacities – researcher, data analyst, evaluator, and project coordinator. Ifrah is dedicated to promoting health and health equity through cross-disciplinary, collaborative approaches that incorporate scientific rigor, meet community needs, and focus on solutions and impact. In addition to her IRL role, she is working towards completing a doctorate degree in Epidemiology at the University of Minnesota.

DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & COMMUNITY HEALTH, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Haley Cureton leads the communications function of Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL). She writes and produces digital media to publicize the important stories of IRL fellows—teams of researchers and community members advancing health and equity across the nation—and to contribute to the vision of building a Culture of Health in the United States. Haley is the voice behind IRL social media and a primary contact for IRL press inquiries. Prior to joining IRL, she designed health promotion campaigns for the Washington State Division of Prevention and Community Health Division of the Washington State Department of Health. Haley holds a master of public health degree from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota and a BA in English and social justice from the University of Michigan.

DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & COMMUNITY HEALTH, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Libby Fortner is administrative lead for Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL). Her work involves assisting with meetings and events; coordinating contracts, invoices, and other financial activities; and participating in a variety of special projects. Libby has more than five years of experience in providing high-level support to faculty in the Division of Epidemiology & Community Health of the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. She enjoys learning about how the IRL research projects are working to make our world a better place.

DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & COMMUNITY HEALTH, SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Mandy LaBreche is the Associate Director of Opersations of the Interdisciplinary Research Leaders program in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota (UMN). Her work involves managing all program aspects, including logistics, operations, finances, and reporting. She has had diverse experiences, both domestically and abroad, working to address health disparities through collaborative research and programming. Prior to joining IRL, Mandy managed a National Cancer Institute-funded center to reduce cancer health disparities among southern California’s Pacific Islander population. She is constantly inspired by collaborative and creative work that sparks social change within communities.

DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & COMMUNITY HEALTH, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Praise (Fiyinfoluwa) Mafe attended the University of Minnesota, majoring in Biology, Society and Environment. During her undergraduate career, Praise participated in MCAE, African Student Association, North Stem Alliance, and was a Community Advisor for three years. The skills and experiences gained in these roles framed her career path and led her to Interdisciplinary Research Leaders. Praise is excited and grateful to join IRL as Curriculum Coordinator because of the fascinating people and the amount of professional growth she will experience learning from the IRL team and fellows. In addition to her role with IRL, Praise is also a self taught beauty artist and hair stylist, using her talents to run her own business in Minnesota.