Tag: Bios

Christopher O’Malley, MPH, CPH

Christopher O’Malley, MPH, CPH

Christopher O’Malley, MPH, CPH, is the Chief of the Community Health Statistics Unit (CHSU) for the County of San Diego, Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA), Public Health Services (PHS) Department. Chris was previously an Epidemiologist with the County of San Diego for 6 years. Prior to joining the County, Chris worked as a researcher at the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC), first at the Millennium Cohort Family Study, and later at the Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), US Military HIV Research Program. Chris is also a United States Navy veteran, serving honorably for over 8 years.

Petros (Peter) Azatyan

Petros (Peter) Azatyan

Peter Azatyan is a Management Fellow and CAHD Resident working with the Live Well Center for Innovation & Leadership (LWCIL) and the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency’s (HHSA) Public Health Services. In his role, he fosters collaboration and alignment between SDSU and HHSA by providing lead support to LWCIL’s Research & Data Excellence Subcommittee. His experience includes various internships with local governments, non-profits, and hospital systems. He also served as a Graduate Student Researcher, studying the intricacy of Medicaid vision and dental policy on population health outcomes. Peter graduated with his B.S in Public Health from the University of California, San Diego and went on to receive his MPH in Epidemiology at the University of California, Irvine. Peter has a strong interest in public health-related research and policy and collaborates closely with the HealthLINK Center to align the research goals of SDSU and HHSA in order to co-produce impactful research and publications.

Nicole Magnuson

Nicole Magnuson

Nicole Magnuson is the director of the Live Well Center for Innovation & Leadership (LWCIL), an innovative partnership between San Diego State University and the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). Nicole is responsible for leading the strategic direction of LWCIL in pursuit of its mission of strengthening the partnership between academia and health and human services practice through the integration of education, research, workforce development, and service that advances equity in San Diego. Nicole’s professional path has involved working as an executive and consultant to a variety of nonprofits, foundations, school districts, and community collaborations to improve lives, change social conditions, and elevate issues related to educational, economic, and racial equity. She has several decades of executive leadership experience in social change strategy, strategic/business planning, coalition building, and communications. Nicole holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Marking from Arizona State University.

Job Godino

Job Godino

Dr. Godino is the scientific director of the Laura Rodriguez Research Institute and the director of quality improvement and innovation at Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD). His research, largely funded by the National Institutes of Health, focuses on developing and evaluating interventions using mobile and wearable technology to promote healthy changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet and sleep. In addition, Dr. Godino leads pragmatic quality improvement research efforts within the primary care setting. These efforts are designed to enhance patient care and population health outcomes by integrating evidence-based practices and innovative technologies into everyday clinical workflows. His projects often involve close collaboration with operational leaders, health care providers and patients to ensure that the interventions are effective and sustainable in real-world settings. By focusing on pragmatic research, Dr. Godino aims to bridge the gap between research findings and actual clinical practice, ultimately improving the quality of care delivered to patients.

Dr. Godino holds a B.A. in anthropology and an M.S. in epidemiology from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of Cambridge. He completed his postdoctoral training in the epidemiology and biostatistics of aging at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Godino is also an associate research scientist at UC San Diego’s Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science. He directs the Exercise and Physical Activity Resource Center (EPARC), a university recharge unit specializing in deep phenotyping. Dr. Godino will serve as the Principal Investigator in this collaboration with the SDSU HealthLINK Center. 

Jane Samaniego

Jane Samaniego

Jane Samaniego is the associate director of the Laura Rodriguez Research Institute (LRRI) at Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD). She initially joined LRRI as a program manager leading research studies that are integrated within FHCSD clinics. Jane’s current role has her focusing on streamlining operations and implementing strategic plans to maintain organizational effectiveness across LRRI. In addition, she will be serving as the administrative coordinator from FHCSD to support the Scientist in Residency program in collaboration with SDSU HealthLINK Center.

Jane earned her B.S. in information systems from SDSU and her M.S. in health care informatics from the University of San Diego. As a certified project management professional, she holds over 10 years of experience managing projects, providing operational support, and working collaboratively across organizations on research projects. Jane is not only an alumna of SDSU but also a native South Bay San Diegan, who is committed to supporting and operationalizing meaningful research that improves the health and well-being of her community. 

Nicole Barber, M.A. ENV SP

Nicole Barber, M.A. ENV SP Environmental Justice Director

Nicole Barber is the Environmental Justice Director at Casa Familiar, where she combines her scientific expertise and passion for environmental justice to address the unique needs of underserved communities in San Diego. With a Master’s in Environmental Science and a strong foundation in sustainability and conservation, Nicole brings a science-driven approach to her work in creating sustainable solutions for the community. Previously, Nicole worked on diverse ecological projects, including wetland restoration, natural resource conservation, and biodiversity research, where she gained hands-on experience in environmental science. Today, she channels that expertise into advancing environmental programs that empower local communities, protect natural resources, and ensure equitable access to sustainability. Through her leadership, Nicole advocates for policies that prioritize environmental equity and works directly with community members to drive change from the ground up. Her commitment to integrating science with social impact continues to guide her efforts to create a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

Earl Felisme

 

Earl Felisme

Researcher/Advocate, Laura Rodriguez Research Institute, Family Health Centers of San Diego

Earl M Felisme is currently a Researcher/Advocate for the Community council granting program.

Fernanda Vega, BA

Fernanda Vega, BA

Project Coordinator – Community Organizer, Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition
County: Imperial

Fernanda Vega (she/her/ella) is from Westmorland in Imperial County and is a Community Organizer with the Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition. Fernanda, with a Sociology background, is deeply committed to advocating for public health and environmental & social justice movements. Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition was founded in 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic to advocate for community empowerment, social and environmental justice, and public health. Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition aims to uplift the voices of the historically marginalized communities in Imperial Valley. Throughout her time as an organizer, she has engaged and advocated for the frontline communities that are getting ready to house lithium developments. She continues to learn about her communities and new ways to organize all while building trust and relationships. Outside of work, Fernanda likes to rewatch her favorite shows and attempt to catch up to the WWE universe.

 

Wendy Huang, PhD

Wendy Huang, PhD

Center Research Manager

 Dr. Huang holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of California San Diego and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in cancer immunology at the New York University in 2015. Between 2016 and 2023, Dr. Huang was an assistant professor at the University of California San Diego, trained 3 postdoc fellows, 25 graduate students, and 13 undergraduate students on cutting-edge molecular & genomic techniques and in vivo disease models of autoimmune disease, tissue inflammation, and cancer. Dr. Huang was the senior and communicating author of eight recently published articles on mouse disease models and immunity. 

Jan Pfeerdekamper

Jan Pfeerdekamper

 Biomedical Laboratory Coordinator

Mr. Pferdekamper graduated from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. After spending a period in the biotech industry managing the drug discovery and pharmacology groups for the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF), he returned to academia to manage a large scientific group focused on diabetes research at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) for almost 20 years. Mr. Pferdekamper is well versed in the performance of numerous scientific assays – including PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA isolations, cDNA synthesis, tissue culture, western blots, and others – and his name has appeared in various published scientific papers. Additionally, he is experienced in the maintenance and management of mouse colonies used in scientific research as well as their facilities. Mr. Pferdekamper is knowledgeable in the health and safety standards of research operations and facilities, serving as the primary safety contact during both work and emergency after-hours periods.

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