VIDAWASI Peru is the first child-health citadel in Latin America, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Urubamba, Cusco, Peru. VIDAWASI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health outcomes and expanding access to high-quality specialized care for children and families from underserved and remote regions of Peru. Through an innovative model that integrates clinical care, community engagement, education, research, and social support, VIDAWASI seeks to decentralize child health services with high-quality standards for the most underserved populations in the country.

Over the past several years, Duke University and VIDAWASI have developed a growing partnership through collaborative research, student training, community engagement, and global health education initiatives. Previous Duke student research projects have examined (SDOHs) related to teenage pregnancy, HPV and cervical cancer prevention, mental health among adolescents, and other community health challenges affecting vulnerable populations in the Cusco region. The partnership has also supported service-learning and experiential education activities through Duke's programs in Peru, creating opportunities for students to engage directly with local communities, health professionals, educators, and community leaders.

As the collaboration continues to expand, students participating in the Student Research Training (SRT) Program will contribute to ongoing community-based research and public health initiatives aimed at improving health and well-being in rural Andean communities. 

Project Description

This SRT site offers Duke students the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary, community-engaged research at the intersection of healthcare delivery, public health, education, and social development. 

In the past several years, students have focused on adolescent health, HPV prevention, and reproductive health. The 2026 SRT team conducted adolescent mental health screenings and implemented emotional regulation workshops to local youth. The 2027 team may continue and expand these initiatives, but may also explore additional areas such as:

• Maternal and child health* 
• Child nutrition and food security*
• Health promotion and disease prevention 
• Healthcare access, health equity, and health systems strengthening 
• Cancer prevention and school-based health initiatives*
• Community engagement, health communication, and media outreach 
• Intercultural health and social determinants of health in rural Andean communities

*priority areas 

As a developing and expanding partnership, students may help identify new opportunities for collaborative research, implementation science, and program evaluation that support VIDAWASI's mission and long-term strategic goals. The final project will be determined alongside partners from VIDAWASI in the Spring semester.

Student Experience

Students will be based at VIDAWASI and work closely with healthcare providers, researchers, educators, community leaders, and local partner organizations. 

Students will gain firsthand experience working in a global health setting while developing skills in research, cultural humility, community engagement, and collaborative problem-solving.

Spanish proficiency is strongly encouraged to facilitate meaningful engagement with local communities and project partners.

Selection Criteria

Ideal candidates for the Vidawasi SRT site should demonstrate:

• Strong interest in global health, community health, public health, maternal and child health, adolescent health, or health equity
• Prior coursework or experience in public health, global health, anthropology, sociology, psychology, education, or related disciplines
• Interest in community-engaged research and intercultural learning
• Professionalism and cultural sensitivity in community and healthcare settings
• Experience or coursework in research methods and data analysis
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams
• Adaptability, initiative, and strong communication skills
• Spanish proficiency (strongly encouraged)
• Commitment to sustainable, community-centered, and locally led approaches to health improvement

Application Process

Please see the SRT website for information about how to apply. Any questions regarding the application, interview dates or general project information should be directed to Lysa Mackeen or Emilee Kerr.  

Learn more about this project from a member of the 2026 team HERE.