The mission of the Leon Research Group is to prevent parasitic and enteric diseases (with a focus on Norovirus and Rotavirus) in vulnerable populations of the Americas.

We aim to:

• Develop effective interventions through applied research
• Influence policy
• Mentor the next generation of public health professionals

We create real world solutions through ethical research that values individual dignity and engages the communities we serve.

• To be a global leader in applying research data, results, interventions, and evaluations that lead to effective programs and policies that reduce the burden of enteric and parasitic diseases in the Americas.
• To sustain a supportive and creative environment for our team by promoting high standards of quality, creating a culture of discipline, rewarding creativity, and investing resources in personal development.
• To be a leader in developing innovative training and mentoring of global students and global public health professionals that propel them to become future leaders in global health.

We are only as strong as each member of our team. To this end, together we work on multiple professional development activities to strengthen the members of our team including:

• Stipends for presentations at national and international conferences
• Individual semester evaluations
• Weekly project team meetings (e.g. Rotavirus, Neglected Tropical Diseases)
  • Rotating facilitation and recording of decisions
  • Joint meetings every two weeks with all project teams where the team’s work is shared and we include: 
    • Individual feedback on presentation style and delivery
    • Recognition of individual team accomplishments
    • Topics may range on specific projects to skills (e.g. effective oral or poster presentations, gender in public health research, etc.)

• Opportunity to become a project team leader and manage a group of students towards a specific project goal 
  • Management includes hiring, facilitating, supervising, and evaluating students and staff
  • In some cases, budgeting is also required
• Recommendations and references for future career development