Social Change Research Hub

The Social Change Research Hub (SCRH), a Martinson Applied Project, is a collaborative initiative between the Frederick Honors College Office of Social Innovation and the Center on Race and Social Problems. It aims to offer undergraduate honors students the opportunity to engage in equity-centered research, education, and praxis by working with fellow students, faculty, and staff to investigate and develop interventions that promote social change. 

Meet the SCRH Team:

Ryan Shindler

Hello, my name is Ryan Shindler. I am a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh. I am a Political Science and Psychology double major. I plan on attending law school following my undergraduate years and potentially working as a public defender in the future.

I started working on this project because I want to make a meaningful change in the world. Working with like-minded individuals on this project has been a fantastic part as well. I look forward to working with many people and learning many new skills on this project.

In addition to the SCRH, I love to swim and run. I also love listening to music and watching sports. My favorite pastime is trying new foods with friends and I love to go on adventures.

Gabriella Garvin

Hello, my name is Gabriella Garvin. I am junior at the University of Pittsburgh double majoring in philosophy and economics, with minors in French and law criminal justice and society, and am originally from Philadelphia. Following my undergraduate degree, I aspire to pursue a JD with a particular interest in criminal law, economic and racial justice, and public service.

I am honored to work with such an astounding group of individuals to foster racial equity globally. I am hopeful that our research will allow communities both nationally and internationally to leverage our data and cultivate uplifting atmospheres. I am particularly interested in widening accessibility of resources amongst those negatively impacted by the criminal justice system to promote emphasis on educational and economic stability.

Cole Belling

Hello, my name is Cole Belling. I’m a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh from Long Island, New York. Though I have not declared a major yet, I’m currently interested in community service, political science, wrongful conviction, international law, election law.

I’m excited to be a part of the bright group working in Pitt’s Social Research Change Hub. I hope to take advantage of this opportunity and develop learn important skills while effecting positive, equitable change locally and globally.

In addition to this, I’m also the Events VP for BridgeUSA’s Pittsburgh Chapter and a research fellow for the Center on Race and Social Problems’ CivWiz project. When I’m not studying or working, I’m usually reading, biking, or listening to bad yacht rock. I also enjoy going for long walks in Pittsburgh to find and try the best food that the city has to offer.

Garrett Whitney

Hello, my name is Garrett Whitney. I’m a sophomore at Pitt from the seacoast of New Hampshire. I’m double majoring in Politics/Philosophy and Economics, with the intention of pursuing a career in law. I’m interested in the fields of community development and international law.

I’m thrilled to be involved in the Social Change Research Hub team.This team is filled with brilliant students and faculty who are passionate about social innovation against systemic racism.

In my free time I love to read, hike, exercise, and cook. I’m a lifelong snowboarder and worked and lived at a ski resort for a winter. Outside of the research team, I’m on the executive board for the American Cancer Society at Pitt, a student-lead organization centered around supporting those who are involved in the battle against cancer.

Kamila Dominguez

Hello, My name is Kamila Dominguez. I’m a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh. I’m currently in the process of getting a Bachelor in Business Administration. My pursuing majors are accounting and finance. I’m minoring in political science and trying to get a certification in Public and Professional Writing. I’m interested in pursuing a career in corporate law in the future.

I’m ecstatic to be participating in the social change research hub. I think it’s fascinating what this programming is trying to accomplish. I’m honored to be part of this because of the potential impact it can bring to our community. I enjoy bringing solutions to problems that are ongoing and want to help the world be less biased

If I had to share a little bit about myself, it would be that I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy reading and doing adrenaline related activities. I also like to go on walks in my free time.

Alexia Wagurak

Hello, my name is Alexia Wagurak and I am a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh. I am currently working towards declaring as an Athletic Training major, and obtaining a minor in sociology. I am interested in better understanding the social workings of communities, and staying informed on how to maintain healthy relationships within these communities. My goals are to become an athletic trainer, and work for the NFL or NBA.

I love having the opportunity to work with the social change research hub. It is so refreshing collaborating with other driven and hard-working students. I believe that racism is a global crisis that cannot simply be “solved,” yet I am hopeful that focusing on the areas that we want to implement change will kickstart a domino effect for the surrounding communities to do so as well.

In my free time I love to journal, read some of my favorite Rupi Kaur books and practice yoga. I find a lot of my free time being taken up by studying and classes while I'm at school, so I really value spending time with my friends and family.

Tofunmi Okunbor

I am an MBA candidate at KATZ Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh. I am compassionate with a mind driven by purpose. My goal is to make a meaningful impact on the Black community and beyond.

Meghana Dodda

Hello! My name is Meghana Dodda and I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh! I am currently majoring in Neuroscience and English Literature on the pre-med track and am very excited about the intersections between the humanities and healthcare. As someone who is very passionate about various disciplines of research, I am honored to be on the Social Change Research Hub, working towards meaningful and sustainable change worldwide. Utilizing and highlighting Pitt’s endeavors within social equity to build a resource on the global level is so exciting to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be a part of this effort.

Outside of SCRH, I also do wet lab research in immuno-oncology and am a Humanities Undergraduate Fellow. In my free time, I love exploring Pittsburgh’s restaurants, hanging out with my friends, and reading!

Vivian Greenwood

Hello! My name is Vivian Greenwood. I am a current second year at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in public health with minors in public service and political science. I am also pursuing a human rights and social justice certificate. I’m originally from Waynesburg, a small town about an hour outside of Pittsburgh.

I am so excited about joining the SCRH team, as I believe the work we’re doing is truly cutting edge. Racism is a public health crisis, and public health is best improved via community work. In synthesizing a database full of resources that apply to such a vast array of communities, we’re taking some of the guess work out of community engagement. I can’t wait to see the impact this index can have on systemic racism in this country and beyond!

Aside from the Social Change Research Hub, I spend my free time on another project in the Office of Social Innovation, CivWiz, as a marketing and communications students assistant. I also currently intern with PennPIRG, a non-profit, non-partisan student advocacy group looking to make students voices heard on issues such as climate change and textbook affordability. In addition to this, I enjoy volunteering, working out, and baking in my free time. I’m also greatly interested in art history outside of my typical government/non-profit sphere, and am a member of the art history club here at Pitt

Vanshee Navani

I am a senior pursuing a B.S. in biological sciences on the pre-medical track. I am minoring in chemistry and obtaining a certificate in Healthcare Management. I am excited to work with the Social Change Research Hub to develop innovative solutions to racial inequities worldwide and address systemic racism. Beyond the social change research hub, I am a clinical research assistant at the Department of Emergency Medicine and an undergraduate research assistant at Dr. Kirill Kiselyov’s lab in the biological sciences department.

William Miller

Hello, my name is William Miller! I am a junior originally from Lancaster, PA, majoring in bioengineering with a concentration in cellular engineering. I plan to attend medical school after I graduate.

I am privileged to have the opportunity to work with a team of highly motivated students and faculty to combat systemic racism in our community and beyond. As an aspiring healthcare provider, I believe it is essential to provide equitable care to all patients. The Social Change Research Hub is providing me with a deeper understanding of how systemic racism has impacted our society and how to apply that knowledge in my future healthcare profession.

Outside of the SCRH, I work at the Human Movement and Balance Lab and as an Engineering Peer Leader to mentor first-year engineering students. I enjoy volunteering with organizations on campus, exploring restaurants in the city, and cooking with my friends!

Vignesh Elangovan

Hello! My name is Vignesh Elangovan, and I am a senior currently majoring in molecular biology with minors in chemistry and applied statistics, as well as a certificate in conceptual foundations of medicine. I plan on attending medical school after graduating pursing medicine with a focus on radiation oncology.

I am very excited about joining the Social Change Research Hub because it offers a unique opportunity to delve into research that addresses critical social issues. I am eager to collaborate with passionate individuals committed to creating positive change and pushing for evidence-based solutions. Through this work, I aim to contribute to meaningful research that informs policy, empowers communities, and advances social justice.

Besides the Social Change Research Hub, I work as a research assistant at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, as well as a medical assistant at the UPMC Magee Womens Hospital. In my free time, I enjoy reading, volunteering, and cooking with my friends.