University of Wisconsin–Madison

People Type: Staff

Cruse, Ravyn

Ravyn is a Research Coordinator at REAL and leads the implementation of our newly funded research focused on examining disparities in postpartum pain management among Wisconsin birthing people.

Lerma, Klaira

Klaira Lerma is a public health researcher with over 12 years of experience in reproductive health, rights, and justice. Klaira’s research focuses on reproductive health, particularly abortion and contraception. She investigates barriers to accessing preferred contraception, the impact of legislation on abortion access, and innovative service delivery methods. Her work also explores clients’ perceptions of and experiences with reproductive health services, emphasizing person-centered care.

Rivera, Yanissa

Yanissa is a part-time Research Operations Assistant at REAL. She provides vital support to our portfolio of work. She is gaining research experience while she prepares to apply to medical school, with a goal of pursuing a speciality in obstetrics and gynecology.

Schenk, Ellen

Ellen is a Data Analyst at REAL and supports nearly every project within our portfolio, right now she is focused on the Reproductive Health Experiences and Access (RHEA) survey analysis and leading the quantitative evaluation analysis of a care coordination program in Dane County called ConnectRx.

Swan, Laura

Dr. Laura Swan is a social worker and public health researcher whose work is focused on improving reproductive health equity and increasing access to contraception and abortion, with an emphasis on eliminating discrimination and coercion in care.

Whitfield, Brooke

Dr. Brooke Whitfield is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at REAL — she supports the Reproductive Health Experiences and Access (RHEA) project and moves her own mixed-methods scholarship forward examining how young people navigate sexual and reproductive healthcare access.