Dr. Shameka Rodgers Phillips is passionate about meeting people where they are and providing resources and support to encourage them on their wellness journeys.

Research

Dr. Phillips’ long-term goal is to become an independent health disparities researcher with expertise in using community-engaged research and mixed methods to develop behavioral interventions that focus on improving sleep health and other health equity outcomes in youth from disadvantaged populations.

Her research focus is inspired by the following:

• Experiences as a Black woman born and raised in the rural, Deep South

• Her role as a healthcare provider serving rural and underserved areas

• Her beliefs that healthier children lead to a healthier future generation

• The evidence on the relationships between childhood sleep and health disparities

Healthcare

Dr. Phillips is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Child Health Equity Program for Postdoctoral Trainees (CHERPP-T) at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. She has clinical experience as a family nurse practitioner in rural, family primary care and as a registered nurse in medical/surgical and gynecology/oncology services.

Advocacy

Dr. Phillips is a wellness advocate passionate about everyone, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds like herself, having equitable opportunities to improve their wellness. Through her blog and podcast, The Wellness Reflect, she shares what she finds during her personal wellness journey to encourage others to reflect on, improve, and maintain their wellness.

Service

Dr. Phillips is driven by service. She enjoys giving back to the youth and communities, especially those underserved, disadvantaged, and marginalized. Dr. Phillips is also passionate about ensuring that nursing students, especially those from marginalized populations and disadvantaged backgrounds, are educated in an environment that centers and fosters diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongingness. Dr. Phillips currently addresses these goals through participating on committees, mentorship, volunteering at community events, and presenting on various topics. She is also looking for opportunities to expand her service.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated

School of Nursing PhD Student DEI & Advisory Council - Founding & Past Chair

Gear Up Alabama - Black Belt Fridays Mentor

UAB Minority Health Research Center Young Professionals Board

Presentations: UAB Freshman Learning Course, Georgiana School Future Business Leaders of America, Birmingham City Schools Career Fair