Research, Innovation, Student Engagement
Welcome to the San Diego State University Imperial Valley RISE Center. We are dedicated to Research, Innovation, & Student Engagement. Our mission is to build community-academic partnerships to identify and launch lasting solutions to the rural border health disparities that plague this region.
If you are a student interested in in hands-on research, professional mentorship, and community-driven initiatives, please fill the form online below.
Contact Us
Current Projects
Promotes physical activity for girls through non-competitive, culturally relevant programming.
The Eastern Riverside and Imperial County Collaborative (ERICC) is a regional initiative co-led by Innercare to address medical training shortages in underserved areas. It features a community-based residency program that offers hands-on training in clinics and hospitals across Coachella, Mecca, and Brawley, in partnership with organizations such as Eisenhower Health and the Imperial Valley Healthcare District.
The NIMHD- funded Imperial County Clinical Research Network (ICCRN strengthens the region’s research capacity by leveraging Community and Patient Advisory Groups to develop culturally responsive protocols. Through our Learning Exchanges, we bring together community members and healthcare leaders to review pilot findings and co-design research strategies. By centering community perspectives on healthcare quality and access, we ensure that our national presentations and publications reflect the true needs of Imperial County.
As the foundational support for CACHI 2.0, SDSU Imperial Valley RISE serves as a central convener for healthcare and academic leaders to address regional workforce shortages. Through this collaborative 'community table,' RISE recently completed a comprehensive countywide Health Workforce Landscape Analysis, translating evidence-based planning into actionable strategies to strengthen the local healthcare pipeline.
RISE provides hands-on research training for undergraduate students, focusing on rural-border health equity and health literacy. Beyond the classroom, our students engage in vital community service to reach underserved populations.
In Partnership With:
Michael Gates PhD, RN
SDSU School of Nursing Associate Director
SDSU School of Nursing Associate Professor
RISE Co-Founder & Co-Director
"The SDSU Imperial Valley Rise Center will connect, collaborate and work with community stakeholders with academic researchers to facilitate data driven change."
Shiloh Williams PhD, RN, NPD-BC, CNE
RISE Center Co-Director
2025 NRHA Health Policy Fellow
Co-Founder/Co-Director of the Healthcare EmpathyRX Lab
“Engaging students in research is essential for preparing the next generation of researchers and innovators, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to address the most pressing health challenges in Imperial County."
We look forward to hearing from you!
With about 1,200 students, SDSU Imperial Valley provides a uniquely intimate educational experience.