1. Summer Internship for Career in Health Disparities
The Latino Internship in Health Dispari-
ties Research engages high school and college
students from communities in the Greater Kan-
sas City area.
The internship consists of a 6-week
training program that includes lectures, panels,
field trips, community outreach, and networking
opportunities. Our curriculum incorporates five tracks: Understanding medical
careers, Understanding health disparities, Health disparities among racial and
ethnic minority groups, Cultural competency, and Professional and leadership
skills.
The program embraces the educational philosophy development by Pau-
lo Freire, which supports the development of critical awareness, critical thinking,
and reflection. The internship program shifts away from traditional approaches
focused solely on knowledge remediation. Program participants became con-
scious of their realities while they grew to envision themselves as agents of
change capable of transforming the health of their communities. Students are
encouraged to address critical stages in health disparities research as they devel-
op their research project. They examine the underlying causes of health dispari-
ties and gain a sense of purpose and empowerment related to their potential
role in addressing these health disparities.
A paper describing the
program has been accepted for
publication on the “Journal of
Community Medicine and Health
Education”
Ana Paula Cupertino, PhD
Program Director
Program Director:
Paula Cupertino, PhD
acupertino@kumc.edu
Program Co-Director:
Maria Alonso,
malonsoluaces
@kumc.edu
Program
Coordinator:
Johana Bravo de los
Rios, BS
jbravodelosrios
@kumc.edu
Summer Assisstant
Coordinator:
Diosselyn Tot
dtot-velasquez
@kumc.edu
Mailing Address:
4125 Rainbow Blvd. MS
1056
Kansas City, KS 66160
http://juntosks.org/
2013 Latino Internship in Health Disparities Research
KUMC Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
Visiting the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. (From left to right:
Yazmin Reyna, Cristal Hernandez, Ivon Nieto, Natalie Villanueva, Gabriela Garcia, Ana Romero,
Dr. Paula Cupertino, Jehieli Arteta, Diosselyn Tot, Abril Negrete).

2. Gabriela Garcia
“Informed Decision Making for Breast Cancer Screenings Among Latinas
(Assessing Knowledge & Intention)”
Research Mentor: Mariana Ramirez
Gabriela graduated at the top of her class at J. C. Harmon High School. While in high school, she
participated in many of the SEPA programs and completed advanced placement dual-credit courses
at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Gabriela will be attending Avila University to major in
Biology.
Jehieli Arteta, JUNTOS Intern
“Alternative Folk Medicine as a Culturally Appropriate
Health Care Option for Latinos”
Research Mentors: Yazmin Reyna
Jehieli will be a junior in Shawnee Mission North. She has been part of Latinos of Tomorrow for
the past two years. Her goal is to enroll in Johnson County Community College and transfer to the
University of Kansas Medical Center to become a Jayhawk Doctor.
Malissa Bray
“Knowledge and Opinions on Cancer Clinical Trials Among Latinos in Wyandotte County”
Research Mentors: Johana Bravo de los Rios & Diosselyn Tot
Malissa graduated from J.C Harmon High School and will be attending Kansas City Kansas
Community College in the fall. She plans to later transfer to UMKC to major in Forensic Science
and minor in Biology. She hopes to become a Medical Examiner when she completes her schooling.
Natalie Villanueva
“Informing of Diabetes Type 2 to the Latino Population of Wyandotte
County in order to Increase Awareness and Prevention”
Research Mentor: Dulce Alejandrez & Alejandro Gutierrez
Natalie graduated from Sumner Academy of Arts & Science. She has received the Presidential
Scholarship from Kansas City Kansas Community College. She plans on receiving her Associate’s
degree and moving on to the University of Kansas Nursing School to become a registered nurse.
2013 GCRC/ Juntos High School Student Interns
Benjamin Cossio Rios
“Waterway Brings Wyandotte County One Step Closer to Healthier Living”
Research Mentors: Johana Bravo de los Rios & Diosselyn Tot
Benjamin graduated from Wyandotte High School and received a certificate of Automotive Service
Excellence after taking courses at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Tech Program.
Benjamin will be attending Kansas State University and is in the path to become an engineer.

3. 2013 Undergrad Student Interns
Ana Romero
“ Health Literacy and Breast Cancer Screening among Latina Women in Wyandotte County”
Research Mentor: Mariana Ramirez
Ana Romero is originally from El Salvador. She is currently finishing her Associate’s degree at
Kansas City Kansas Community College. She plans to transfer to the University of Missouri-
Kansas City in the spring of 2014 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. Ana hopes to
attend medical school and pursue a career as a family primary care physician with the dream of
opening her own clinic.
Ivon Nieto
“Review of Literature for Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire”
Research Mentor: Dulce Alejandrez
Ivon Nieto was born in Michoacán, Mexico and moved to Kansas when she was nine years old.
She graduated with honors from Kansas City Kansas Community College and received her
Associate’s in General Studies. To further pursue her career goals, Ivon will attend Donnelly
College to get her Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership. She is fluent in Spanish and English and
hopes to learn sign language.
Cristal Hernandez
“Assessing Diabetes Risk Among Latinos in Wyandotte County”
Research Mentor: Alejandro Gutierrez
Cristal Hernandez is a first generation college graduate. Having earned a BA in Psychology and
Chemistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In the fall of 2013, she will start graduate
school as a Master’s student in Counseling and Guidance with an emphasis in mental health. She
plans to obtain a degree in Clinical Child Psychology and pursue academic courses on
adolescents with eating disorders.
2013 Saturday Academy Student Interns
Melanie Leyva will
graduate from
Summer Academy in
2015, as a candidate in
the Full IB program.
She participated in
Saturday Academy, the Alexandra
Girls Grant Project, and the in
Sumner Science Academy 2013 at the
University of Kansas-Lawrence
campus. Melanie plans on attending
the University of Kansas to study pre-
med and plans on helping the
community through medicine.
Luis Rodriguez will be a senior at
Sumner Academy. He would like to
pursue a career in science and
technology at either University of
Missouri-Kansas City or University of
Kansas. In the past years, Luis has
developed leadership
and communication
skills by participating
in Saturday Academy,
Wednesday Media,
and Summer Science
Academy.
Nadia Rodriguez is
originally from Juarez,
Mexico. She is an
upcoming sophomore
at Wyandotte High
School. Nadia is a Kauffman scholar,
University of Kansas Talent Search
student, and a SEPA student, allowing
her to become a leader among her
peers and expand her opportunities
for the future. She hopes to become
either a nurse or a pediatrician.

4. 2013 Highlights
Nelson-Atkins Museum: Frida Kahlo Exhibition
On June 13, 2013, the interns
from our summer program went
to the Nelson Atkins museum for
the Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera
exhibition. The interns were able
to see a vast collection of famous
Mexican artists, including Kahlo
and Rivera, and observe other
collections, such as contemporary
art and the Chinese mural. Over-
all, this was a great opportunity
for the students to be exposed to
some Mexican culture and the
trip was incorporated into our cultural competency track.
Wyandotte County Tour
On July 2, 2013, our interns did a tour of Wyandotte County. They
visited Swope Health Clinic, Black Chamber of Commerce, El
Centro, Lewis & Clark Park, and the Cancer Trial Support Unit. In
addition, they learned about a community project labeled Creative
Alley Renovation, where youth from the community paint murals
in alleys. In all of these
locations, they received
introductions to what each
organization does and how
they work with the
local community.
Multicultural Night
On July 3, 2013, our interns were part of the Multicultural Night
event. Throughout the program, they came together every Friday to
work on their performances. On the day of the event, the interns
demonstrated in acts, skits, dances, fashion shows, poetry, movie
clips, singing, and with instrumental performances their different
cultures. All the interns shine through that night with their talents
and their own unique cultures which bring them all together.
Closing Ceremony
July 9, 2013 was the last day of the program for GCRC interns. On
this day, they completed their six-week training and were ready to
present their research poster project on their individual topics.
The day began with a breakfast ceremony. Following that, the
interns got ready to present their posters at Wahl East. Family
members, other representatives of the community, and staff were
invited to both ceremonies. At the end, they were recognized and
given a talk of gratitude and encouragement for their success.
More than anything ,we wished them luck.
Girl Scouts
During the month of July, three
of our undergrad interns,
Andros Garcia, Diosselyn Tot,
and Abril Negrete gave
presentations for the Girl Scouts
Health & Nutrition Workshops.
They developed a PowerPoint
presentation, a tri-fold presentation, and showed a video made by
SEPA students that targeted obesity prevention. During the talks,
they were very interactive with the girls and felt like they were well
aware of how to keep themselves healthy.
Health Fairs
Our interns participated in
several health fairs events.
All interns received training
on how to measure blood
pressure, blood sugar, fill
out intake forms, provide
information, and obtain
BMIs. They worked with kids, youth, and adults, and were
exposed to working on small and big events. All interns were
highly dedicated; their help was a key part of our community
outreach events.

5. Diosselyn Tot
was born in
Guatemala and
m o v e d t o
Kansas at the
age of six. She graduated from
Sumner Academy of Arts &
Science in May 2012 and obtained
her Full IB Bilingual Diploma as a
Kauffman Scholar. She is attending
the University of Kansas, majoring
in Community Health with a minor
in Latin American Studies. She
hopes to enter the University of
Kansas Medical Center and
become a doctor in primary care.
Sophy Paulino was born
in Providence, Rhode
Island, with a rich
background from the
Dominican Republican.
She attended Roger Williams University
and graduated with a B.S. in Biology/Foreign
Language. In 2014, she will enter the
University of Kansas Medical Center as a
MD student. She hopes to go on to work in
medically underserved areas.
This year-long program for Underrepresented Minority students was
designed to support the progression of Post-Baccalaureate Latino
students into the University of Kansas Medical Center by engaging
students in research in the Latino community and providing
academic enrichment and motivational experiences. Upon successful
completion of the program, students are admitted to the School of
Medicine. In addition to this program, JUNTOS welcomes Latino
students by offering them research and leadership opportunities,
clinical experience, and preparation for the admission interview
process. In 2013, three of our students got accepted into the Post-
Baccalaureate program at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Up to 2008, the University of Kansas Medical Center School of Medicine
had a partnership with over 40 Medical Schools around the globe - but
none were in Mexico. In 2010, the Department of Preventive Medicine and
Public Health signed an agreement with the Universidad Autónoma del
Estado de Morelos (UAEM) to promote cooperation in all fields of
academic endeavor, including joint research, educational activities, and
exchange of faculty, research personnel, and graduate students. In the past
two years, we have had three exchange students from Cuernavaca, Mexico
join the program. The agreement was renewed in 2013, and Victor Mar-
tinez is our new addition to the JUNTOS team.
Victor Martinez Zavala
is from Cuernavaca, More-
los. He is currently in his
6th
year of medical school,
at UAEM. He started the
community service program on July 2013.
Upon completion, he would like to com-
plete a residency in the U.S. and pursue a
career in either surgery, hematology, or
rheumatology.
Post-Baccalaureate Students
U.S.-Mexico Rotation
2009 2010 2011 2012 TOTAL2013
Post-Bac Latino Students 1 2 2 4 133
Senior Interns
Abril Negrete first
worked with JUNTOS
three years ago. She was
born in Mexico City and
moved to Kansas at the age
of six. Although she loves
the state of Kansas, she earned her GED
and moved to Los Angeles, CA to ex-
plore new horizons. She recently moved
back to Kansas and enrolled at Johnson
County Community College to challenge
herself academically. She hopes to
continue working with JUNTOS in the
future as she gets ready to pursue a
career in the medical field.
Andros Garcia Sal-
divar came from
Monterrey, Mexico at
the age of nine. He
graduated from
Sumner Academy of Arts & Science in
Kansas City, KS as a Full IB student and
Kauffman Scholar. Andros is currently
attending Boston University, where he
plans to major in Health Science and
minor in Business. While he is unsure
of where life will take him, he dreams
of becoming a family physician.
Whether he stays in the U.S. or returns
to Mexico, only time will tell.

6. IF INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING AND BEING PART OF THE INTERNSHIP, YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION AT WWW.JUNTOSKS.ORG OR FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW.
To apply for the 2014 Latino Research Internship in Health Disparities, please submit:
 Signed application form
 Essay
 List of extracurricular activities and/or resume/CV
 Unofficial copy of report card/transcript
 Letter of recommendation
Return completed application via email to jbravodelosrios@kumc.edu.
Emails should indicate “2014 Internship Application” in subject line.
** We highly encourage applicants to send their documentation via email **
You can also mail materials to the following address:
Johanna Bravo de los Rios
University of Kansas Medical Center
Department of Preventive Medicine & Public Health
Mail Stop 1056
4125 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66160
For any additional questions, contact Johana Bravo de los Rios at jbravodelosrios@kumc.edu or at (913) 945-7874
PARTNERS & FUNDERS
We would like to thank the Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity (OCED), Science Edu-
cation Partnership Awards (SEPA), and Mr. Ramon Murguia for their support.