​Myriam Forster, PhD, MPH is an associate professor in the Department of Health Sciences at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She earned her MPH at CSUN and her PhD in Preventive Medicine from the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. Prior to joining the faculty at CSUN, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Interdisciplinary Research and Training Program in Child and Adolescent Health at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Forster’s research focuses on adolescent and young adult behavioral health, with an emphasis on identifying sources of resilience for at-risk populations.  "I am excited to launch this project with our school partners!  The SHARE team is exceptional and best of all, we are all interested in promoting adolescent health and resilience. For fun and relaxation I run, hike, read, and love to share a meal with friends."

Kim Rogers is the project manager for Project SHARE. She is a graduate of CSUN and a former elementary school teacher. Kim has worked with children from preschool age through high school for over 15 years. While growing up and into young adulthood, Kim experienced parental incarceration and is personally familiar with some of the effects it can have on young people. She is excited to be a part of the SHARE team and is enthusiastic about the success of the project! Every morning Kim reads the NY Times and completes her favorite word puzzles. Starting the day with something she enjoys helps fuel her. To relax, Kim likes all things pop culture, playing tabletop games, listening to podcasts, and caring for her guinea pig herd.

Lizbeth Becerra is a doctoral student at the University of Southern California in the Health Behavior Research program. Lizbeth has worked in both the non-profit and government sector promoting the health and wellness of youth and young adults from LA County. She is looking forward to continue studying adolescent behaviors with SHARE that facilitate or compromise their health throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. To do her best work, she takes care of herself physically and mentally by practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, also known as the “gentle art.”

Rudy is a first-year MPH graduate student in the Applied Epidemiology track at the California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He currently works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for a local public school district in Los Angeles. In this capacity, he provides behavior support services for the special education and mental health departments of that district. He has also worked as a special education teacher in both elementary and middle-school settings teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavior Disorders. Along with working as a behavioral health clinician and special education teacher, he has experience in single-subject design and creating professional development training utilizing evidence-based practices for public health and community mental personnel. He is looking forward to being part of the SHARE project and collaborating with the team. He is interested in gaining experience in public health research that will increase insight in adolescents and their educational environments. Rudy is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys traveling, cooking, weightlifting and tending to this garden.

Kevin Caballero is currently an undergraduate senior student in CSUNs Health and Human Development program studying Public Health. Being exposed to the field, he is excited to be working with the SHARE team and interning at the organization, believing that this position will provide ample opportunity throughout his academic studies as well as when he becomes a Public Health professional. He is excited to be working with everybody else on the team and to start gaining experience in what this major is all about.  To unwind, Kevin likes keeping himself disciplined by going to the gym, as well as watching thriller documentaries and listening to music.

Stephanie is in the Master of Public Health (MPH) - Community Health Education program at the California State University, Northridge (CSUN).  Stephanie has experience working with non-profit organizations that support the youth struggling as the result of abuse, neglect, and abandonment.  Stephanie is very passionate about her belief that health is a human right; therefore, being part of the SHARE project will help better understand issues around poverty, health, and inequality among adolescents. She is confident that her role as a research assistant will provide her with that knowledge, along with the ability to participate in reducing and eliminating health disparities among adolescents. Stephanie enjoys passing time with family, books, documentaries/movies, outdoor activities, and research.

Alliyah is a public health Undergraduate student who will pursue her master’s in nursing. Alliyah is very passionate about becoming a pediatric nurse because she loves to work with children. She has work experience with the Educational Opportunity Program here at CSUN where she has helped low-income students enter the university through the program. Alliyah was drawn to SHARE because she has worked with teens and can relate to the backgrounds the students come from. She also wants to improve her research skills by working with the SHARE team. In her free time, Alliyah loves to travel, go out to eat, and spend time with her family and friends.

Maria Guevara is a DACA recipient and first-generation graduate from Cal State University, Northridge. She is currently a graduate student at Cal State University, Northridge majoring in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education. For the past few years, she had the privilege to work with several non-profit organizations helping vulnerable communities overcome barriers and seek care including working on the CDC Preventive Type 2 - Diabetes Program, providing COVID-19 Vaccine to impacted communities, and helping justice impacted individuals.  She joined the SHARE project to learn and improve skills that are necessary in research. She enjoys the community engagement and partnerships that have been possible with many schools. To practice self-care and improve resilience she goes on walks in nature at the beach, park, and trails.

Lydia Lising is currently a graduate student at CSUN’s Master of Public Health Program in Applied Epidemiology and an intern for Project SHARE. Prior to this, she received bachelors in Public Health Policy and Education Sciences at University of California, Irvine. Lydia has previous background working with prevention programming to support at-risk youth at Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. She is so excited to be involved with the SHARE team and analyzing the findings. Being a part of Project SHARE helps her develop her program evaluation, data management/analysis, and survey design skills. For self-care she loves spending time with her husband and taking her corgi Duke to his favorite dog parks.

Karim Kouatly is an undergraduate student pursuing Public Health at CSUN. He moved to California in 2018 as an international student. In 2022, he transferred to CSUN to pursue his Bachelors. Karim is extremely interested in becoming an epidemiologist and developing himself in various aspects, whether it's personal or professional. Karim recently joined the SHARE team to develop his communication and research skills. He is overjoyed to be part of this team.In his spare time, Karim likes to spend time with his family, exercise, play football, watch anime, and entertain himself with video games.

Mikaela is a first-year MPH grad student in the Applied Epidemiology track at the California State University of Northridge (CSUN). She has had the privilege of working as a public health worker, specifically assisting the community with ACES (adverse childhood experiences), promoting the importance of mental health, resilience, and physical well-being. Mikaela has experience with health education and program management. She is looking forward to improving the lives of others; therefore, being a part of the SHARE project will help her gain experience in research and utilize research to help improve the well-being of adolescents and others. Mikaela enjoys trying new food, spending time with friends & family, and going to concerts.

Frances Ross is a rising Psychology undergrad student. She plans on receiving a PhD in clinical psychology to teach at a university and study in her own lab. She has homeschooled her seven kids for the last 14 years. She has an interest in studying the psychological effects of the incarcerated and the families of incarcerated people. She is very excited to join the SHARE team to learn and improve skills that are necessary for research. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, the beach, shopping and hiking.

Sonimar Torres is currently an Undergraduate student majoring in Public Health at California State University, Northridge. She is a first-generation college student who strives to be an example to her nieces and nephew. She is extremely excited to be a part of the SHARE project. She was eager to join the team to gain experience in research and gain knowledge in any possible way that would help her future career. In her free time, she loves to go on different adventures with her two labradors, read, and skate.

Jorge Vigil is a graduate student at California State University of Northridge's Master of Public Health program in Applied Epidemiology. Jorge has work experience in the non-profit sector and has interned for the Los Angeles' and California's Department of Public Health. When the SHARE project was first introduced to Jorge, he was drawn to the study's focus since he is interested in research focused on young adults' mental health. He hopes to contribute to the important and meaningful work of improving the health behaviors and experiences of youth across the country. Outside of work and school, Jorge spends his time watching nature documentaries, hiking, and spending time with his loved ones.

Eric Shanazari is a graduate student at CSUN with a concentration in applied epidemiology. Since entering the public health field, he has been excited to learn all he can about how to collect, interpret, and present data that may be used to improve peoples' lives. The SHARE project has served as a great opportunity for Eric to gain experience working with an amazing team of dedicated individuals. Getting some hands-on experience as a member of a research team as capable and welcoming as this one feels like the perfect “next step” for him. He's also made several friends during his time as a member of this project, so it’s been a fantastic experience for him all-round. To relax, Eric enjoys reading, playing games, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

Abnous Shahverdi is a current graduate student pursuing her Master of Public Health in Applied Epidemiology. Her life’s passion is to improve social determinants of health among minorities. She has worked as a research assistant for a SAMHSA-funded grant at CSUN. She is also interested in clinical, social, and pharmaceutical epidemiology. Abnous joined the SHARE project to develop her research skills and statistical knowledge. In her free time, Abnous enjoys baking and going on bike rides. Abnous practices self-care by listening to music and podcasts. Also, she goes for a walk to boost her mood.

Xiao Zhang is a graduate student at CSUN in the Applied Epidemiology program. She earned her first master’s degree in international economics and transferred into the public health field in 2023. With a passion to become an epidemiologist to support public health initiatives, she is eager to learn more about theory and gain practical skills through participating in the SHARE project. Xiao has worked with international companies and international organization as a data analyst and project assistant. Prior work and educational experiences have provided opportunities to learn statistical software, data management, and other IT software. Xiao likes exploring new cultures and she has been to Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and the United States.