MISSION
The HIV Education, Awareness, and Research Team (HEART) is a collaboration of faculty and students at the University of Central Florida who are dedicated to addressing the multiple and complex effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic locally and nationally. HEART exists to serve the community by:
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…partnering with community organizations and stakeholders to address HIV/AIDS locally;
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…providing educational opportunities focused on HIV and AIDS and their medical, mental health, and social effects on individuals and families;
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…raising awareness about HIV prevention and treatment within the UCF community and in Central Florida; and
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…seeking and acquiring external funding and conducting high-quality research that informs prevention methods and mental health interventions for individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS.
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Meet the Team!
Dr. J. Richelle Joe
Twitter: @DrJRJoe
Associate Professor ~ Counselor Education
In recent years, Orlando has ranked among the top 10 cities for new HIV diagnoses. HEART began as a way to engage faculty and students at UCF around the physical, social, and mental health implications of HIV locally and nationally. As a faculty member HEART has been a way for me to integrate teaching, service, and research to address the HIV epidemic.
Dr. Melissa Zeligman
Associate Professor ~ Counselor Education
My first clinical position was at an agency for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and it was some of the most meaningful work I have ever been part of. Those clients inspired so much of the research I do today (i.e., work around trauma and chronic illness). When I joined the faculty at UCF in 2019, I already knew of the amazing work being done with Dr. Joe and the HEART team, and couldn’t wait to be a part of it!