This summer, two recent graduates from Morehouse College, a historically Black men’s college, embarked on a transformative journey at the UCSF Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science.
The UCSF-Morehouse Summer Research Training Program aims to tackle a pressing issue in higher education and health care: the underrepresentation of Black students in UC graduate and professional programs, particularly in rehabilitation science and physical therapy. The program, which in July 2023 received funding through the University of California-Historically Black Colleges and Universities Initiative (UC-HBCU Initiative), is designed to provide hands-on research experience for young scholars and create a pathway toward research doctoral degrees (PhD) in rehabilitation science, movement science, or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.
Assistant Dean for Learner Success D’Anne Duncan, PhD; Dean of the UCSF Graduate Division Niquet Blake, PhD; DPTRS Chair Amber Fitzsimmons, PT, MS, DPTSc, and DPTRS Adjunct Associate Professor Kai Kennedy, PT, DPT, are collaborators on the project. Titus Haley and Jalen Ellis, both 2024 Morehouse graduates with degrees in kinesiology, were found to have set themselves apart and selected to participate in this prestigious program.
Titus’ Journey: From Kinesiology to Research Enthusiast
Titus Haley entered the UCSF Morehouse Summer Research Training Program with an interest in physical therapy but little experience in research. A nudge from a professor and the appeal of a fully-funded internship led him to apply, and the summer experience turned out to be a defining moment in his career path. Haley was matched in the laboratory of Richard Souza, PT, PhD, Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science (pictured above).
In the Souza lab, Haley worked on a biomechanical analysis of knee osteoarthritis, focusing on patients with patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (PFJ OA). His research aimed to uncover how different types of knee damage affect the way patients move, particularly when descending stairs. The results were intriguing, suggesting differing loading profiles in patients that suffered debilitating pain from those with advanced cartilage damage. Haley was fascinated and questioned what more could be uncovered through further study. “Without this experience, I probably would have dismissed research if anyone had offered me a chance in it,” Haley admits. “But now, I’m considering a future that blends clinical work with research.”
Aside from research experience, Haley gained invaluable insights into the DPT application process, attended biomechanics classes, and built lasting relationships with fellow interns.
Jalen’s Journey: From Harlem to the West Coast
Jalen Ellis had a similarly transformative summer at UCSF. Initially unsure of his career path, Ellis’ interest in physical therapy developed after conversations with his professors and classmates, and he first applied to the UCSF internship during his junior year. Although he wasn’t accepted, his determination didn’t waver, and Ellis reapplied the following year, ultimately securing his spot in the program. Although moving from Harlem to the Bay Area was a significant transition, Ellis was welcomed with open arms by the UCSF community.
Under the mentorship of Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science Victor Cheuy, PhD (pictured below), Ellis worked on research exploring the effects of diabetes and kidney disease on foot health. This research struck a personal chord for Jalen, whose father has diabetes.