Our Team
Our Team
Our multidisciplinary team are passionate about transforming person-centered diabetes care through research, innovation, and collaboration.
Principal Investigator
Michelle D.S Boakye
Assistant Professor | UMASS Boston
Michelle Boakye | PhD, MPH, RN
Bio
Dr. Boakye is an assistant professor and nurse scientist committed to advancing person-centered diabetes care. Her research focuses on improving the psychosocial well-being and self-management of adults with type 2 diabetes, particularly during the critical period following diagnosis. She is especially interested in developing and evaluating digital health interventions that enhance self-management education and support, reduce diabetes distress, and address health disparities.
Degrees
PhD | 2022
Pennsylvannia State University, University Park, PA
Major: Nursing
MPH | 2014
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi-Ghana
Major: Public Health (Health Education and Promotion)
BSc | 2009
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi – Ghana
Major: Nursing
Certifications
2024 – Present
Registered Nurse: Massachusetts
2022 – Present
Registered Nurse: Pennsylvania
2020 – Present
U.S. National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) Lifestyle Coach
2015
Certificate in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
2011 – Present
Registered General Nurse: Ghana
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Patient and Provider Decision Making About HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis Following Sexual Violence: A Qualitative Analysis.
- 2023
- Jocelyn C Anderson, Michelle D.S Boakye, Jessica Draughon Moret
- DOI:10.1097/JNC.0000000000000430
To explore patient and health care provider HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) decision making following sexual assault, semistructured interviews regarding HIV PEP provision with 15 patients and 10 health care providers were conducted.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Pathway From Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis to Action: How to Move People Forward. Diabetes Spectrum.
- 2023
- Boakye, M. D. S., Miyamoto, S., Greenwood, D., Kraschnewski, J., Van Haitsma, K., & Boltz, M.
- DOI: 10.2337/ds22-0058
Seven self-care behaviors—healthy coping, healthy eating, being active, taking medication, monitoring, reducing risk, and problem-solving—are recommended for individuals with diabetes to achieve optimal health and quality of life.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Remodeling Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis: What Individuals Need for Success. Clinical Diabetes
- 2023
- Boakye, M. D. S., Miyamoto, S., Greenwood, D., Van Haitsma, K., Boltz, M., & Kraschnewski, J
- DOI: 10.2337/cd22-0075
The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes initiates a new health-illness transition. However, little is known about the immediate support that people need to successfully cope with this diagnosis.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
What individuals want to hear at the point of type 2 diabetes diagnosis
- 2023
- Michelle D.S Boakye, Sheridan Miyamoto, Deborah Greenwood
- DOI: 10.2337/cd21-0151
Recent studies have shown that the time of diagnosis with type 2 diabetes is often not a teachable moment because of heightened emotions.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
College students’ experiences of sexual violence and reasons for seeking care in campus health and counseling centers.
- 2022
- Jocelyn C Anderson, Michelle D.S Boakye, Zoe Feinstein, Summer Miller-Walfish, Kelley A Jones, Carla D Chugani, Alexandra Schmulevich, Reesha Jackson, Elizabeth Miller
- https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2057189
Objective: Examine associations between care seeking reasons in college health and counseling centers and sexual violence (SV).
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Needs assessment of community health workers to enhance efficient delivery of their services for community case management of malaria in Kenya
- 2021
- Michelle D.S Boakye, Collins J Owek, Elizabeth Oluoch, Sefa Bonsu Atakora, Juddy Wachira, Yaw A Afrane
- https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2057189
Malaria continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. Community Case Management of malaria (CCMm) which is undertaken by engaging Community Health Workers (CHWs) to effectively address management of malaria cases in some endemic communities was explored in this study.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Challenges of achieving sustainable community health services for community case management of malaria
- 2018
- Michelle D.S Boakye, Collins J Owek, Elizabeth Oluoch, Juddy Wachira, Yaw A Afrane
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6040-2
Community Case Management of malaria (CCMm) using Community Health Workers (CHWs) is an approach to improve access to timely and effective malaria case management in malaria endemic countries.
Institutional Appointments
2023 – Present
Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Boston, MA
2023 – Present
Adjunct Faculty, UMass Chan Medical School, Health Informatics and Implementation Science
Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655
2022 – 2023
2022 ADCES Foundation/CBDCE Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Integrated Diabetes Management, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Academic Positions
2023 – Present
Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Boston, MA
2023 – Present
Adjunct Faculty, UMass Chan Medical School, Health Informatics and Implementation Science
Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655
2022 – 2023
2022 ADCES Foundation/CBDCE Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Integrated Diabetes Management, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Summer 2020
Teaching Assistant, Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Advanced Nursing (NURS 510), Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
2018 – 2020
Assistant Lecturer, Central University College of Nursing
Miotso, Ghana
Dr. Boakye is an assistant professor and nurse scientist committed to advancing person-centered diabetes care. Her research focuses on improving the psychosocial well-being and self-management of adults with type 2 diabetes, particularly during the critical period following diagnosis. She is especially interested in developing and evaluating digital health interventions that enhance self-management education and support, reduce diabetes distress, and address health disparities.
Degrees
PhD | 2022
Pennsylvannia State University, University Park, PA
Major: Nursing
MPH | 2014
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi-Ghana
Major: Public Health (Health Education and Promotion)
BSc | 2009
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi – Ghana
Major: Nursing
Certifications
2024 – Present
Registered Nurse: Massachusetts
2022 – Present
Registered Nurse: Pennsylvania
2020 – Present
U.S. National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) Lifestyle Coach
2015
Certificate in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
2011 – Present
Registered General Nurse: Ghana
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Patient and Provider Decision Making About HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis Following Sexual Violence: A Qualitative Analysis.
- 2023
- Jocelyn C Anderson, Michelle D.S Boakye, Jessica Draughon Moret
- DOI:10.1097/JNC.0000000000000430
To explore patient and health care provider HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) decision making following sexual assault, semistructured interviews regarding HIV PEP provision with 15 patients and 10 health care providers were conducted.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Pathway From Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis to Action: How to Move People Forward. Diabetes Spectrum.
- 2023
- Boakye, M. D. S., Miyamoto, S., Greenwood, D., Kraschnewski, J., Van Haitsma, K., & Boltz, M.
- DOI: 10.2337/ds22-0058
Seven self-care behaviors—healthy coping, healthy eating, being active, taking medication, monitoring, reducing risk, and problem-solving—are recommended for individuals with diabetes to achieve optimal health and quality of life.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Remodeling Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis: What Individuals Need for Success. Clinical Diabetes
- 2023
- Boakye, M. D. S., Miyamoto, S., Greenwood, D., Van Haitsma, K., Boltz, M., & Kraschnewski, J
- DOI: 10.2337/cd22-0075
The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes initiates a new health-illness transition. However, little is known about the immediate support that people need to successfully cope with this diagnosis.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
What individuals want to hear at the point of type 2 diabetes diagnosis
- 2023
- Michelle D.S Boakye, Sheridan Miyamoto, Deborah Greenwood
- DOI: 10.2337/cd21-0151
Recent studies have shown that the time of diagnosis with type 2 diabetes is often not a teachable moment because of heightened emotions.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
College students’ experiences of sexual violence and reasons for seeking care in campus health and counseling centers.
- 2022
- Jocelyn C Anderson, Michelle D.S Boakye, Zoe Feinstein, Summer Miller-Walfish, Kelley A Jones, Carla D Chugani, Alexandra Schmulevich, Reesha Jackson, Elizabeth Miller
- https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2057189
Objective: Examine associations between care seeking reasons in college health and counseling centers and sexual violence (SV).
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Needs assessment of community health workers to enhance efficient delivery of their services for community case management of malaria in Kenya
- 2021
- Michelle D.S Boakye, Collins J Owek, Elizabeth Oluoch, Sefa Bonsu Atakora, Juddy Wachira, Yaw A Afrane
- https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2057189
Malaria continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. Community Case Management of malaria (CCMm) which is undertaken by engaging Community Health Workers (CHWs) to effectively address management of malaria cases in some endemic communities was explored in this study.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
Challenges of achieving sustainable community health services for community case management of malaria
- 2018
- Michelle D.S Boakye, Collins J Owek, Elizabeth Oluoch, Juddy Wachira, Yaw A Afrane
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6040-2
Community Case Management of malaria (CCMm) using Community Health Workers (CHWs) is an approach to improve access to timely and effective malaria case management in malaria endemic countries.
Institutional Appointments
2023 – Present
Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Boston, MA
2023 – Present
Adjunct Faculty, UMass Chan Medical School, Health Informatics and Implementation Science
Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655
2022 – 2023
2022 ADCES Foundation/CBDCE Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Integrated Diabetes Management, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Academic Positions
2023 – Present
Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Boston, MA
2023 – Present
Adjunct Faculty, UMass Chan Medical School, Health Informatics and Implementation Science
Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655
2022 – 2023
2022 ADCES Foundation/CBDCE Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Integrated Diabetes Management, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Summer 2020
Teaching Assistant, Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Advanced Nursing (NURS 510), Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
2018 – 2020
Assistant Lecturer, Central University College of Nursing
Miotso, Ghana
Collaborators
Eyitayo Owolabi
Assistant Professor | Arizona State University
Eyitayo Owolabi
PhD, MCur
Eyitayo Omolara Owolabi (PhD) is a nurse/midwife by profession and an emerging and enthusiastic public health researcher. She is currently a presidential postdoctoral fellow at Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, USA. She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in Nursing from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. She is passionate about health promotion and disease prevention, especially for underserved populations. Her primary research interest is in cardiometabolic diseases and risk factors, precisely about efforts aimed at reducing diabetes risk, improving access to quality diabetes care for underserved populations and developing interventions to improve diabetes health outcomes.
Research Assistants
- Mahalaxmi Kamireddy
- Rashneet Kaur
- Saisuree Namluck
I'm currently working as a Research Assistant in the Nursing Department under Professor Michelle, where I handle all the tech-related aspects of the Aides-T2D project. My responsibilities include managing technical systems, troubleshooting, and supporting the team with digital tools and platforms. I'm also pursuing my Master’s degree in Information Technology, and I'm passionate about using technology to improve healthcare research and project efficiency.
I’m a Bachelor of Science in Psychology student with a strong interest in clinical research and mental health. I aspire to become a clinical psychologist and love to understand human behaviour and the factors that influence it. I'm passionate about contributing to research that advances psychological knowledge and improves treatment outcomes.
I am a Research Assistant working alongside Dr. Michelle Boakye, having joined the lab in Summer 2025. In this role, I have the opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge into hands-on research experience. Working closely with Dr. Boakye has deepened my understanding of research design and implementation and strengthened my skills in real-world data analysis and project development.
As a nurse scientist, Dr. Ansong has led and contributed to research projects on a range of issues, including the impact of post-acute myocardial infarction thyroid function on cardiac systolic function and all-cause mortality, factors influencing depression among individuals with cardiovascular conditions, the effects of medication costs on adherence, opioid overdose prevention, and the burdens and needs of family caregivers. His work spans global contexts, with studies conducted in Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Dr. Ansong has actively contributed to the nursing and public health fields through numerous publications and conference presentations. He serves as a peer reviewer for academic journals and is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Eastern Nursing Research Society. He has received several prestigious awards and grants, including the Bollinger Grant and the Global Nursing Research Practice Grant.
Through his research, teaching, and policy engagement, Dr. Ansong aims to close the gap between evidence and practice. He is especially passionate about building interdisciplinary partnerships to tackle pressing public health issues and to strengthen systems of care for people living with chronic conditions.
Mahalaxmi Kamireddy
I’m currently working as a Research Assistant in the Nursing Department under Professor Michelle, where I handle all the tech-related aspects of the Aides-T2D project. My responsibilities include managing technical systems, troubleshooting, and supporting the team with digital tools and platforms. I’m also pursuing my Master’s degree in Information Technology, and I’m passionate about using technology to improve healthcare research and project efficiency.
Saisuree Namluck
I am a Research Assistant working alongside Dr. Michelle Boakye, having joined the lab in Summer 2025. In this role, I have the opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge into hands-on research experience. Working closely with Dr. Boakye has deepened my understanding of research design and implementation and strengthened my skills in real-world data analysis and project development.
Rashneet Kaur
I’m a Bachelor of Science in Psychology student with a strong interest in clinical research and mental health. I aspire to become a clinical psychologist and love to understand human behaviour and the factors that influence it. I’m passionate about contributing to research that advances psychological knowledge and improves treatment outcomes.
Rockson Ansong | PHD
Dr. Rockson Ansong is an Assistant Professor of Public Health and Wellness at Louisiana State University. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston with his PhD focusing on Population Health and Health Policy. Dr. Ansong is dedicated to improving health outcomes and advancing health equity for individuals in marginalized and underserved communities. His research and advocacy target addressing racial disparities in health and wellness, preventing chronic disease complications, and strengthening self-management support, especially in the context of cardiovascular disease.
As a nurse scientist, Dr. Ansong has led and contributed to research projects on a range of issues, including the impact of post-acute myocardial infarction thyroid function on cardiac systolic function and all-cause mortality, factors influencing depression among individuals with cardiovascular conditions, the effects of medication costs on adherence, opioid overdose prevention, and the burdens and needs of family caregivers. His work spans global contexts, with studies conducted in Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Dr. Ansong has actively contributed to the nursing and public health fields through numerous publications and conference presentations. He serves as a peer reviewer for academic journals and is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Eastern Nursing Research Society. He has received several prestigious awards and grants, including the Bollinger Grant and the Global Nursing Research Practice Grant.
Through his research, teaching, and policy engagement, Dr. Ansong aims to close the gap between evidence and practice. He is especially passionate about building interdisciplinary partnerships to tackle pressing public health issues and to strengthen systems of care for people living with chronic conditions.
Get Involved
We’d love to have you on board! Just fill out our volunteer application to get started. If you’re passionate about making healthcare more caring and personal for people with chronic conditions, this is your chance to make a real difference with a team that truly cares.