Project Mentor: Professor Xuanhong Cheng, Bioengineering
2024 Impact Fellows:
Nancy Cárcamo Paiz ‘27
Alice Chen '24
Amelie Fry ‘27
Nicole Hirsch ‘26
Owen Holst ‘27
Adelaide Ogden ‘26
Jake Feuerstein '26
Hamsa Javagal '25
Lauryn Jones '25
Chibugo Okeke '25
Project Description:
Can we help children with Sickle Cell disease live longer, healthier lives?
Sickle cell disease significantly contributes to high maternal and child mortality rates in Sierra Leone. The country faces challenges in diagnosing and managing the patients, and educating healthcare workers and the public about the disease. The SickLED team is developing a strategy to integrate diagnostic test strips, continuing medical education courses, outreach materials, and policy initiatives. This project studies the impact of diagnosis on patient outcomes, perceptions of sickle cell disease, education for healthcare providers and the public, and international policy. The ultimate goal is to create an accessible, patient-centered system for diagnosing and managing sickle cell disease in Sierra Leone. All majors are welcome.
