Hello all! My name is Mekeila Cook and I am a third year doctoral student in Community Health Sciences. I moved to Los Angeles in 2006 by way of Nashville, TN but have lived in nearly every corner of the US and internationally. You might be wondering why. Here’s a hint, both of my parents were in the military.

I began my academic career in Psychology and received my BS in 2002 from Tennessee State University. I went on to graduate school and received a Masters in Counseling Psychology in 2004. I worked at Meharry Medical College doing research and community organizing before coming back to school one final time.

I have a passion for helping others and have devoted much of my time to educating people about HIV/AIDS. Most of my research and work has revolved around HIV prevention. My dissertation will hopefully intersect HIV prevalence in minority women, its relation to social and sexual networks and the consequent impact on minority communities.

Some of my favorite activities include salsa and tango dancing. I enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family. I love to watch professional basketball and sometimes football depending on who is playing. I also enjoy traveling. My most recent trip was to Tanzania for two months last summer. I am hoping to have even more stamps in my passport in the coming years!

I look forward to meeting and working with all the 2008-09 PEERS students. Feel free to stop by the office or email me if you need some assistance.