Photo by Matt Schorr
McKenzie Houston has joined the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance as Research Coordinator.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Before joining the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance as Research Coordinator, McKenzie Houston already had an extensive background with health research and community engagement. Her background included volunteer work with the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, the Center for Black Women’s Wellness, the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“It was something that I always saw myself in after I completed my public health degree,” she said of her career path.
Houston received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Georgia Southern University, then headed north to Walden University in Minnesota for her Masters Degree in Public Health.
As Research Coordinator for the Alliance, Houston’s responsibilities include coordinating research activities and serving as co-investigator on research studies. She also manages, evaluates and analyzes project data and supervises research staff and students. Given the broad spectrum those cover, Houston is the first to admit, “I’m still learning.”
Her biggest goal at this point is accomplishing every task set forth by the many grant projects the Alliance is handling. “I’m looking forward to working with the team and other professionals at Meharry and Vanderbilt,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to collaborating with people of different backgrounds and skillsets.”
Houston can be reached at 615-963-2821 or via email at mckenzie.houston@meharry-vanderbilt.org.
About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance
Founded in 1999, the Alliance bridges the institutions of Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Its mission is to enrich learning and advance clinical research in three primary areas -- community engagement, interprofessional education and research -- by developing and supporting mutually beneficial partnerships between Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the communities they serve. Through community engagement, the Alliance serves a large community of stakeholders including surrounding universities and colleges, community organizations, faith-based outlets and community health centers. Its interprofessional education enhances students' interdisciplinary understanding and improves patient outcomes through integrated care. The research conducted provides access to experienced grant writers and materials supporting the grant application process and facilitates grant-writing workshops.