Pravalika Vuppunutula

Pravalika Vuppunutula joined the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) in July as a social science research assistant. In her role as part of the Community Engagement Core (CEC), she plays a pivotal role in organizing and assisting with various events, gathering and analyzing data, and scheduling meetings to support the core's initiatives. Pravalika brings a diverse professional background to her current position.

Before transitioning into research, she worked as an emergency nurse in India, where she gained valuable experience in high-pressure healthcare environments. Seeking to broaden her expertise, she transitioned into the revenue cycle management industry, where she worked as an account receivable specialist. This role provided her with insights into the financial and operational aspects of healthcare, further fueling her interest in the intersection of healthcare and technology.

Driven by a desire to deepen her knowledge, Pravalika pursued a degree in Health Informatics at the University of Missouri (MU). During her studies, she was actively involved in academia as a teaching assistant for a marketing course in the business school, where she honed her skills in data analysis and interpretation. Her passion for data-driven decision-making led her to an internship as a data analyst with Randolph County Caring Community, a non-profit organization focused on community development. Following her internship, she continued working with the organization full-time, contributing to various projects aimed at improving community health and well-being.

With her multidisciplinary background and dedication to improving public health, Pravalika is well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the RCMI's mission. Her experience in healthcare, data analysis, and community engagement positions her as a valuable asset to the RCMI team.