Turn your learning into community impact
Ready to make a difference? At the 中国体彩网 Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness (CACHW), students work alongside community partners to address real health and wellness challenges in the Quad Cities. Through hands-on experiences and internships, you’ll connect what you’re learning in the classroom with meaningful work in the community.
Build valuable professional skills, expand your network, and gain real-world experience that prepares you for your future career. Along the way, you may discover new passions, develop your strengths, and see how your work can positively impact the lives of others.
Learn. Connect. Contribute. Be part of work that strengthens the health and well-being of our community.
2025-2026 CACHW Students
Nathan Acosta
Instructor, Older-Adult Fitness – Moline Activity Center
Nathan (he/him) is a Biology major from Moline, Illinois. He plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, combining patient care with advanced physiology and emergency management.
Through his work with CACHW at the Moline Activity Center, he has developed leadership, teamwork, and community engagement skills that support his future career goals. His favorite part of the experience is working directly with community members through wellness programming and seeing the positive impact these initiatives have on both physical and mental health. He is proud to contribute to programs that help improve community well-being
Alyse Murphy-Spiteri, sophomore
Health Researcher – MLK West End Revitalization Project
Alyse (she/her) is a Public Health and Sociology double-major with a minor in Japanese from Gurnee, Illinois. She hopes to pursue a career focused on creating positive change through research, policy, or nonprofit work.
This summer, Alyse worked on the MLK West End Revitalization Project, conducting community-guided health research to help identify local needs and support long-term community improvement. Through her experience with CACHW, she has learned the importance of conducting research that benefits and empowers the communities involved. Her favorite part of the work is collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to improving the world around them. She values helping ensure community voices are heard and reflected in future initiatives.
Lizzy Hughes, junior
Health Researcher – MLK West End Revitalization Project
Lizzy (she/her) is a Biology and Neuroscience double-major on the pre-med track from Lubbock, Texas. She hopes to attend medical school and become a physician dedicated to improving healthcare access, trust, and outcomes for all patients.
This summer, Elizabeth worked with the MLK West End Revitalization Project, using community-based participatory research to better understand health disparities and healthcare access in Rock Island's West End neighborhood. Through CACHW, she has gained valuable experience engaging directly with community members and learning how personal stories and lived experiences can inform meaningful change. She especially enjoys building relationships with residents and working alongside others who are committed to strengthening their community.
Xuan Mai La, senior
Health Researcher – MLK West End Revitalization Project
Mai (she/her) is a Psychology, Business Administration and Marketing double-major from Bac Ninh, Vietnam. She hopes to pursue a career in clinical therapy, helping individuals navigate mental health challenges and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
This summer, Mai worked on the MLK West End Revitalization Health Project, gaining experience in community-based research and engagement. Through her work with CACHW, she has strengthened her communication, listening, and analytical skills while learning more about the needs and experiences of community members, particularly those from underrepresented populations. Her favorite part of the experience has been collaborating with a supportive and diverse team that shares a commitment to creating positive change within the community.
Caleb Bishop
Biofiltration Researcher – City of Davenport, Partners of Scott County Watersheds
Caleb (he/him) is a Biology major with a minor in Psychology from New Boston, Illinois. He is preparing for a career in agricultural science and agronomy, with a focus on advancing sustainable farming practices that support both environmental and community health.
This summer, Caleb worked on the Urban Stream Biofiltration Project, researching solutions to improve water quality and reduce bacterial contamination in local streams. Through his experience with CACHW & UMC, he has gained hands-on research experience, mentorship from professionals, and opportunities to take on leadership roles in community-centered projects. His favorite part of the work is seeing how research can directly benefit local communities, and he is passionate about developing practical, science-based solutions that promote healthier ecosystems and safer waterways.