Community Engagement

The Aldrich Lab engages in collaborations with communities to improve lung cancer outcomes.

We collaborate with members of diverse communities to share our research findings and to inform our research priorities. We develop materials to disseminate to communities to raise awareness about lung cancer screening and the importance of early detection for lung cancer. 

Jennifer Richmond, Ph.D., CAB Co-Lead

Dr. Richmond is an Assistant Professor at Wake Forest University in the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy and former member of the Aldrich Lab. She is a researcher who cares deeply about helping people benefit from lifesaving health services like lung cancer screening. She became passionate about health equity after losing her parents and several other family members due to the racism, classism, and structural inequity they experienced in the American health care system.

Dr. Richmond joined the Community Advisory Board to partner with others who want to leverage their lived experience to ensure everyone gets the health care they need. She grew up in North Carolina and enjoys spending time with her loved ones. 

Joan Clayton-Davis, M.A.

Joan Clayton Davis is a retired Health Communication and Social Marketing professional with a focus on special populations, especially African American health.  She is a community volunteer educator/activist, Certified Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, and Managing Partner of family Century Farm. 

Tam Gordon

Tam Gordon, a two-time ovarian cancer survivor, performs outreach and special projects for the Human Resources Department of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. She joined the Aldrich Lab CAB following her cancer diagnosis and treatments to learn more about the disease and to become abreast of cutting-edge research as it pertains to all cancers. She proudly grew up in North Nashville’s 37208 zip code and she loves to read during her free time. 

Paula L. Hill, M.S.

Paula L. Hill is a breast cancer survivor who is enjoying life as a retiree. She worked at Meharry Medical College for 30 years in various positions, the last being Program Coordinator in Graduate Medical Education. She is an Army brat who grew up around the world and is a graduate of Howard University (BS) and Colorado State University (MS). She enjoys travelling and joined the Aldrich Lab CAB as she became interested in its objectives of expanding lung cancer screening to all populations. 

Ila McDermott, M.Ed.

Ila McDermott is a community member, colon cancer survivor, and currently serves as a Co-Chair for the Meharry Vanderbilt TSU Cancer Prevention (MVTCP) Cancer Outreach Core Community Advisory Board. She received her Master of Education from Tennessee State University and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her work experience is diverse, ranging from working with the judicial court systems, research, education, counseling, and human resources. 

Sheila Dorse Winfield

Sheila Dorse Winfield is a native of Nashville and has served the community since 2007 in the SKYLINE Village Subdivision. She was an IT Consultant and retired from working for the state of Tennessee. She is a survivor of cervical and ovarian cancers and a founder of the Dorse Cancer Oasis Support Group.