PHRI Research Network
The Phoenix Health Research Institute (PHRI) is supported by a multidisciplinary research network of clinicians, epidemiologists, healthcare executives, and scholars. This collaborative model enables PHRI to design and implement research that is clinically informed, data-driven, and aligned with real-world health systems and community needs.
  • Dr. Benedette Nnaji-Aniekwe, DHA, CRNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
    Research Collaborator
    Dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in primary care and psychiatric mental health; Expertise in psychotherapy, behavioral health, and integrated care; Contributes clinical insight to mental health and population health research
  • Christopher Whiteside, MPH
    Research Collaborator
    Epidemiologist with expertise in health equity and population health analytics; Background in public health systems and epidemiological research; Supports data-driven and longitudinal research design
  • Dr. Craig Glover, Ed.D., FACHE, FACMPE
    Research Collaborator
    President & CEO of a multi-site Federally Qualified Health Center system; Board director with expertise in healthcare strategy and organizational growth; Advises on infrastructure development and sustainability
  • Dr. Lillian Williams, DHA, MHHS, ACHE
    Research Collaborator
    Chief Operating Officer with 30+ years of healthcare leadership; Published scholar focused on health equity and community-based care; Provides expertise in operations and system transformation
  • Dr. Katrina Ringgold, DHA, MS, CAGS
    Research Collaborator
    Executive leader in behavioral health and correctional health systems; Expertise in compliance, operational turnarounds, and high-risk environments; Supports systems design and regulatory alignment
  • Dr. Erica Noble, DHA, MA
    Research Collaborator
    Healthcare executive specializing in Medicare, Medicaid, and care delivery systems; Adjunct professor with experience in population health strategy; Contributes to stakeholder engagement and program development
  • Dr. Eric B. Beck, DHA, D.Min., MBA
    Research Collaborator
    Organizational leader with expertise in leadership development and community engagement; Background in education and public service; Supports outreach and strategic initiatives
  • Dr. LaShon Gurrola, DHA, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
    Research Collaborator
    Healthcare executive specializing in Medicare, Medicaid, and care delivery systems; Adjunct professor with experience in population health strategy; Contributes to stakeholder engagement and program development
  • Dr. Maria D. Scott, DHA, MBA, RCIS, ES
    Research Collaborator
    Multi-disciplinary Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist with 20+ years of experience in pediatric and adult cardiovascular care and high-acuity clinical environments; Proven leader in cardiac service line operations, process optimization, and clinical execution of complex interventional and electrophysiology procedures; Expertise in healthcare operations, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a strong focus on improving patient outcomes and system efficiency
  • Dr. Josh Muhammad, PhD, DHA, MBA, MEng
    Research Collaborator
    Healthcare researcher and executive with nearly 30 years of experience spanning public health, healthcare operations, and technology innovation; Published scholar with research focused on mental health, health disparities, HIV-related outcomes, and social determinants of health; Expertise in healthcare policy analysis, government contracting, and interdisciplinary research bridging clinical, social, and technological domains
  • Dr. Jebbeh Sandi-McBean, DHA, MSN, RN
    Research Collaborator
    Administrative Nurse of the Day at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, overseeing hospital operations and coordinating interdisciplinary clinical care; Experienced nursing leader with expertise in acute care operations, patient flow management, and systems-level clinical coordination; Emerging scholar focused on reproductive health, social determinants of health, and health belief systems among underserved populations
Institutional Collaboration

Phoenix Health Research Institute collaborates with academic institutions, national organizations, and community partners to advance responsible and impactful research initiatives.

Through these collaborations, PHRI seeks to ensure that research findings contribute to evidence-based policy development, healthcare innovation, and sustainable systems change.

The University of Arizona’s Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction has issued a formal Letter of Support for PHRI’s proposed Cannabis & Aging Longitudinal Study, recognizing the study’s public health significance and expressing openness to future academic collaboration.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has authorized PHRI’s use of Mental Health First Aid programming for research purposes in connection with its MHFA outcomes study.
Institutional Commitments
  • Methodological Rigor
  • Ethical Research Oversight
  • Financial Accountability
  • Community-Centered Impact