Six Rush University students have been selected for the 2026-27 Schweitzer Fellowship. They represent each of the university’s colleges — College of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Rush Medical College.
Jessica Clay, Jasmyn Hernandez, Ciara Stanton, Eva Offutt, Arwen Martin and Maya Tsingos will work with community organizations to create and implement innovative projects to address the health needs of underserved communities in Chicago. The fellowship is one year long and a total of 200 hours of service, encouraging students to become lifelong leaders.
Here’s more about each fellow and their project.
Jessica Clay, Rush University College of Nursing; and Arwen Martin, Rush Medical College
Clay and Martin will partner to provide caregivers and children in environmentally overburdened Chicago neighborhoods with practical tools, education and guidance to recognize early signs of respiratory issues, reduce exposure to environmental triggers at home and connect families to healthcare resources.
Jasmyn Hernandez, Rush University College of Nursing
Hernandez’s project focuses on improving the physical, emotional and mental health for Spanish-speaking women. With a particular focus on maternal health, Hernandez aims to build community, strengthen advocacy and increase access to support systems for women and families navigating cultural, linguistic and systemic barriers to care.
Eva Offutt, College of Health Sciences
Offutt plans to establish care coordination services for people experiencing homelessness, healthcare instability or other barriers to consistent care. Her project pairs parents or caregivers of children with hearing loss or developmental delay with someone who supports them throughout evaluation, diagnosis and intervention.
Ciara Stanton, College of Nursing
Stanton is partnering with the Greater Auburn Development Healthy Lifestyle Hub to facilitate an intergenerational series of brain health workshops and a seminar. Her project aims to bring generations together, reduce stigma around brain health and strengthen community support systems in Auburn Gresham and surrounding areas.
Maya Tsingos, Rush Medical College
Tsingos will partner with the Chicago Poetry Center to develop a health-centered poetry curriculum for students. Her project uses creative expression to promote emotional wellness, advance health equity and empower youth.
Along with their projects, each fellow will participate in a 13-month program that includes monthly meetings, trainings and ongoing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. They will receive support from a team of mentors, project sites, alumni and staff. The fellows join a network of more than 800 Chicago alumni.