Melinda Rushing, Ph.D., LMSW joined the Bloustein School as an Assistant Professor in September 2024. She is an applied data scientist and implementation scientist whose research leverages quantitative methods to identify patterns in the delivery of and access to health services among marginalized communities. Using these insights, Dr. Rushing investigates how evidence-based practices can be effectively implemented and sustained within complex health systems to improve outcomes and reduce disparities. Her work primarily focuses on improving access to and quality of care for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD), as well as applying data science techniques to evaluate patient outcomes and health system performance within this population.

Dr. Rushing earned her Ph.D. in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science and a Data Science Certificate from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. She also holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.

Research Interests

• Health equity
• Data science
• Sickle cell disease