Our Team

Rachel Akaba

Research Associate

Picture of Rachel Akaba who works as a Research Associate

Rachel joined the team in 2026. She is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Sciences.

What motivates you to do this work?

Health outcomes and health management are greatly influenced by factors outside of a traditional clinical setting. In my previous role as an in-home patient care assistant, I saw this firsthand while caring for older adults and individuals with disabilities. These experiences reinforced my belief that improving health outcomes requires looking beyond medical care alone and recognizing the social factors that shape an individual’s ability to access and maintain their health. I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to work that addresses these factors, improves access to quality care, and ultimately helps communities achieve better health outcomes.