Program Staff

DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & COMMUNITY HEALTH, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Ifrah Biyoow is the Research 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 a Gates Millennium Scholar 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 Program Manager 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.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH,

Nora Marino is the Curriculum and Evaluation Specialist for the Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL) program. In this role, Nora plans and coordinates the evaluation of the IRL program and assists with designing the leadership and research curriculum. Prior to working for IRL, she was a Research Assistant at the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC) and for a research project that investigated the media’s coverage and the public’s perception of cancer screening and prevention. Currently, Nora also volunteers as a MNsure Navigator to assist individuals enrolling in health insurance. She is committed to elevating evidenced-based and community-engaged research to inform policy and achieve health equity. She received her MPH from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and a BA from the College of the Holy Cross.