Cyrena Gawuga

Cyrena is a scientist and macro social worker with extensive experience in collaborative research at the interface of neuroscience, pharmacology, and immunology.

During her training at Brown University, she authored publications on the influence of adverse childhood experiences on inflammation and health outcomes in adulthood. She most recently served as a research associate on a PCORI-funded, community-based participatory research program at Boston University School of Social Work. During this program, Cyrena assisted patients and caregivers with the execution of a study aimed at understanding how the relationship between patients of color and their providers influences the decision to participate in clinical research.

Cyrena has participated in patient advocacy and outreach for many years, serving as advisory board member for Patients Like Me and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (now Beyond Celiac). She is a frequently-sought speaker and contributor on issues of equity and inclusion in patient leadership for the Medicine X program at Stanford University.