By Emily DeFrances
Colleagues Across Campus
In our “Colleagues Across Campus” series, as part of our Staff Spirit Week celebrations, we’re highlighting a few of the staff members who help bring Yale’s mission to life!
Monday, June 3: Breaking down barriers
Tequetta Valeriano,
Research Program Manager,
School of Nursing
Time in current role: 1 year and 9 months
Years at Yale: 9 years
How would you describe your role? What’s your day-to-day like?
I’m responsible for the program management functions that support various research initiatives within the High Impact Field Based Interventions (HiFi) lab at the School of Nursing. Specifically, my team is supporting Dr. LaRon Nelson’s work to help end the HIV epidemic. Dr. Nelson is leading a study focused on reducing rising HIV rates in the southern United States among Black men who have sex with men, by breaking down social and structural barriers to improve access to care.
To support that project, I lead a team of research associates who are based in the communities that are part of the study, across several Southern states. The team is currently focused on training the health care facilities in their area that will be supporting this initiative. In addition to being our “boots on the ground,” this team also helps with other research needs across various projects, along with other members of my team.
There are many components to managing the research projects my team supports. I wear many hats—from oversight of our progress and deliverables, to coordinating with consultants and vendors, and managing the budget. It’s a lot, but it’s incredibly rewarding!
What do you like best about your job?
There are many things I like about my job; it’s hard to narrow it down to one! If I had to pick one, I’d say it’s the chance to work on different research projects that are helping to bring an end to the HIV epidemic. HIV/AIDS has been an issue since the 80s, and our HiFi lab is playing a really meaningful role in finding the solutions we need.
What’s one of your favorite work memories?
One of my favorite work memories was when I attended an HIV-related conference and saw one of the largest projects that I currently work on come across the screen on the main stage. It reassured me that the community is behind the project and is spreading the word about this initiative coming to five communities in the south.
What do you like best about working at Yale?
I’m able to learn so much and advance in my career. I first started out as a research assistant and am now a research program manager.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love traveling and seeing new places.
Who would you like to recognize or give a shoutout to during Staff Appreciation Week?
The entire HiFi (High Impact Field Based Interventions) lab and our leader, Dr. LaRon Nelson.
This article was originally published on It’s Your Yale.