Nidhi Monga Nakra, a remarkable graduate research assistant, is dedicated to advancing equity at the convergence of health and social systems. Her extensive expertise encompasses vaccine policy, coalition capacity-building, and community engagement. With experience spanning public, private, and international sectors, she has held leadership positions within renowned organizations such as The Immunization Partnership, CDC, and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Her past research centered around reducing disparities in vaccine uptake among racial and ethnic minority groups through community-engaged research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Currently, she is pursuing her DrPH in Health Equity and Social Justice at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Her Journey with Dr. Petruzzi

Nidhi first embarked on her journey with Dr. Petruzzi during her practicum on qualitative methods. This experience involved comprehensive training in community-engaged qualitative data analysis. She emerged as the primary coder of the CHW and SW National Workgroup study. The significance of this work was evident as she presented some of the findings at the American Public Health Association 2024. Currently, she is actively engaged in working on several publications stemming from this study, which holds great potential for shaping the field of public health.

Expertise in Vaccine Policy

Nidhi's expertise in vaccine policy is truly remarkable. She understands the intricate dynamics between vaccines and the social systems in which they operate. Through her research and work, she has identified key areas where policy interventions can have a significant impact in reducing disparities. Her in-depth knowledge allows her to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members. By leveraging her expertise, she is able to develop strategies that not only increase vaccine uptake but also ensure equitable access to vaccines for all.

Nidhi's work in vaccine policy has led to numerous initiatives and partnerships. She has collaborated with local health departments to design targeted vaccination campaigns that address the specific needs of different communities. Her research has also shed light on the barriers to vaccine uptake among certain populations and has provided valuable insights for developing tailored solutions. Through her efforts, she is making a significant contribution to improving public health outcomes and reducing health inequities.

Coalition Capacity-building

Building strong coalitions is another area where Nidhi shines. She understands the power of collective action in achieving health equity. Through her work, she has been instrumental in bringing together diverse stakeholders from different sectors to form effective coalitions. These coalitions have the potential to drive meaningful change and address complex health issues.

Nidhi's approach to coalition capacity-building is holistic. She focuses on building relationships, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration among coalition members. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, she encourages active participation and engagement from all stakeholders. Her leadership skills have been crucial in ensuring the success of these coalitions, as they are able to leverage their collective resources and expertise to make a greater impact.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is at the core of Nidhi's work. She believes that meaningful change can only be achieved when communities are actively involved in the decision-making processes. Through her research and community outreach activities, she has established strong connections with local communities and has gained their trust and support.

Nidhi's community engagement efforts have led to the development of innovative programs and initiatives. She has worked with community organizations to design and implement vaccination programs that are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of community members. Her approach has been successful in increasing vaccine uptake and improving community health. Additionally, she has been involved in community-led research projects that have provided valuable insights into the health issues faced by communities and have informed the development of targeted interventions.