Two Feinberg Trainees Selected as Health Policy Research Scholars

November 18. 2025

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Medical Social Sciences is proud to announce that two trainees in the department, Hannah Cheng, MS, and Ian Sotomayor, BA, have been selected as Health Policy Research Scholars (HPRS), a prestigious leadership development program supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The program is designed for full-time doctoral students who are committed to using research to advance health equity and policy change.

Cheng, a doctoral student in the Health Sciences Integrated Program specializing in implementation science, focuses on scaling and sustaining evidence-based treatments across communities. Her current research spans substance use disorder, firearm injury prevention, and nonpharmacological pain management. She is particularly interested in how health interventions can be sustained financially and structurally over time to ensure lasting impact.

Sotomayor, a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Program whose work centers on intervention and implementation science, studies scalable single-session mental health interventions that address trauma and stress, particularly among populations affected by colonization, systemic violence, and inequity. Their current projects include adapting mental health tools for community organizations serving individuals living with HIV and advancing inclusive, community-driven approaches to care.

The HPRS program provides four years of funding, leadership training, and policy-focused learning experiences, preparing scholars to translate research into real-world health improvements.

Department Chair Rinad S. Beidas, PhD, shared her pride in their accomplishments:

“We are thrilled to see Hannah and Ian recognized as Health Policy Research Scholars. They each bring curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to equity that exemplifies the next generation of leadership in health policy, intervention science, and implementation science. Our department couldn’t be prouder of their achievements and potential.”

Both trainees credit the mentorship and collaborative environment at Feinberg and Medical Social Sciences as instrumental in their development as emerging leaders. “I’m excited to learn how to lead effectively and translate what works in research into lasting systems of care,” said Cheng. Sotomayor added, “This program feels like a step toward building community-centered approaches to mental health — the kind of leadership that uplifts others rather than leads from above.”

Their selection marks a significant achievement for Feinberg’s growing community of scholars dedicated to advancing health equity through science, policy, and partnership. Congratulations Hannah and Ian!