Melissa-Lauren C. Hooks, Ed.D.
Founder, Owner & Lead Consultant
Health, Equity & Research Solutions, LLC (HERS)
Melissa-Lauren C. Hooks, Ed.D., is a subject matter expert, content creator, grant writer/administrator, and strategic consultant with over 15 years of experience in medical research, health equity, and clinical trial operations. As the Founder, Owner & Lead Consultant of Health, Equity & Research Solutions, LLC (HERS), she collaborates with organizations across the United States to leverage their purpose, passion, and expertise while amplifying their business efforts.
HERS offers innovative and strategic services designed to help organizations secure funding, develop sustainable programs, and implement cutting-edge learning and teaching modules. Melissa-Lauren specializes in crafting curriculum and training for organizational personnel, particularly in the healthcare sector, ensuring that teams are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to drive meaningful impact.
Expertise & Core Services
🔹 Grant Writing & Administration – Comprehensive support in securing funding, from research and proposal development to reporting and compliance.
🔹 Health Equity & Research Consulting – Designing and implementing equity-focused programs, patient-centered research, and workforce training.
🔹 Strategic Program Development – Developing scalable solutions for businesses and nonprofits, aligning their goals with impactful initiatives.
🔹 Learning & Teaching Modules – Creating customized educational content, training programs, and curriculum to enhance professional development.
🔹 Collaboration & Partnership Building – Connecting organizations with strategic allies, funding sources, and operational best practices.
Key Projects & Accomplishments
✅ Grant Writing & Funding Strategy
Secured millions in funding for community-based initiatives, healthcare organizations, and research programs.
Developed high-impact grant proposals for nonprofits, businesses, and healthcare institutions seeking funding at the federal, state, and private levels.
Provided strategic guidance on funding alignment, program expansion, and sustainability planning.
✅ Health Equity & Innovation
Created tailored training programs and research frameworks to support diverse and inclusive healthcare environments.
Led the development of innovative models to improve access, patient engagement, and equity in healthcare and social services.
Consulted on policy and programmatic solutions that integrate Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and culturally responsive care.
✅ Content Creation & Learning Development
Designed and implemented customized training modules and learning curriculums for healthcare professionals, researchers, and community organizations.
Developed workforce training programs to enhance DEI efforts, clinical research education, and health literacy.
Created data-driven educational resources that translate complex health and research concepts into actionable strategies for organizations.
✅ Strategic Business & Organizational Growth
Partnered with organizations nationwide to align business goals with impact-driven initiatives, helping them amplify their efforts in the healthcare and research sectors.
Provided consulting services to strengthen operational efficiency, research infrastructure, and workforce capacity.
Assisted businesses and nonprofits in leveraging their expertise to expand their reach and effectiveness in healthcare, social services, and research.
“When you hire HERS, you’re not just bringing in a consultant—you’re gaining a dedicated strategic partner who understands the complexities of health equity, research, and organizational growth. I don’t just write grants or develop programs—I build sustainable solutions that amplify your impact. My expertise in project management, regulatory compliance, and innovative strategy allows organizations to move beyond short-term wins and achieve long-term success. With a deep commitment to equity, integrity, and measurable outcomes, I help organizations turn purpose into progress, passion into funding, and expertise into action.”
Key Projects: Driving Impact Across Therapeutic Areas
🔹 Maternal & Women’s Health
✅ Development of Black Maternal Health Equity Initiatives
Led community-based research and policy development to reduce maternal mortality disparities.
Provided strategic grant writing and program design to secure funding for maternal wellness programs.
✅ Perinatal Mental Health & Postpartum Support Programs
Developed DEI-focused curriculum for training perinatal healthcare providers.
Conducted qualitative and quantitative research on mental health interventions for postpartum mothers.
✅ Women's Oncology Research
Assisted in clinical trials, specimen processing, and patient engagement strategies for women's cancer research.
Implemented patient-centered recruitment and retention strategies to enhance study participation.
✅ Women’s Behavioral Health Research – Day Hospital Model
Developed data tracking methods for behavioral health services targeting pregnant and postpartum women.
Collected and organized key data from hundreds of participants to assess maternal-infant bonding and related health factors.
✅ Obstetric Medicine & Sexual Assault Research
Investigated the effects of sexual assault on the female microbiome and assessed gaps in healthcare and supportive services.
Identified critical service gaps, including:
Lack of funding for immediate post-assault needs (e.g., clothing replacement, transportation home, and prophylactic medications like HIV prevention & Plan B).
Need for enhanced case management services for survivors navigating post-assault care.
Conducted longitudinal studies tracking survivor care outcomes, emphasizing the importance of holistic support.
✅ BNP Studies & Obstetric Health Research
Conducted research on BNP biomarkers in pregnant patients to understand obstetric health outcomes.
Implemented licensed survey administration to research respondents, ensuring accurate and regulatory-compliant data collection.
🔹 Health Equity & Research Diversity
✅ Enhancing Diversity in Clinical Trials
Designed comprehensive DEI strategies to increase participation among underrepresented patient populations.
Partnered with organizations to secure funding and regulatory approvals for diverse clinical trial recruitment.
✅ Community Health & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Research
Developed health equity reports on the impact of housing instability, food insecurity, and access to care.
Led projects focused on healthcare workforce development and culturally competent training programs.
✅ Innovative Participant Recruitment & Retention Strategies
Created inclusive models of medical care and excellence, engaging pediatric to geriatric populations.
Built strong rapport with multidisciplinary teams and a wide range of diverse research participants.
🔹 Chronic Disease & Preventative Health
✅ Gastroenterology & Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Research
Contributed to research on women’s reproductive health outcomes in IBD patients.
Secured funding and IRB approvals for studies on autoimmune diseases and gut health.
✅ Diabetes & Cardiovascular Health Programs
Developed education and screening initiatives for at-risk populations to improve diabetes management.
Secured funding for hypertension reduction and metabolic disorder studies.
✅ Dermatology & Rheumatology Clinical Trial Site Implementation
Spearheaded clinical trial site administration, data collection, and specimen procurement.
Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for workflow optimization.
Enhanced patient engagement and retention through innovative strategies in rheumatology and dermatology trials.
🔹 Pediatric & Family Health
✅ Sleep Disorders & Obesity in At-Risk Adolescents
Conducted research on pediatric obesity and its impact on sleep and cognitive development.
Supported school-based health initiatives focused on nutrition, physical activity, and mental health.
✅ Early Childhood Development & Longitudinal Research (Maternal Lifestyles Study - MLS)
Participated in national longitudinal research on child development and maternal lifestyle impacts.
Analyzed early childhood health outcomes and risk factors to inform public health initiatives.
📌 How HERS Can Help Your Organization
This sample of publications and projects reflects the broad expertise and impact-driven approach that HERS brings to every client. By working with HERS, you gain:
✔ Deep subject matter expertise across multiple therapeutic areas
✔ Innovative program development tailored to diverse populations
✔ Strategic grant writing & funding acquisition to sustain long-term initiatives
✔ Health equity consulting to integrate SDOH & DEI principles into your organization
✔ Project management & regulatory compliance support to streamline operations
📢 Ready to maximize your organization’s impact? Let’s collaborate to drive meaningful change in healthcare, research, and community-based programs.
📧 Email: hers@melissalaurenhooks.com
🌐 LinkedIn: Melissa-Lauren C. Hooks, Ed.D.
📍 Based in Providence, RI | Available for U.S. Consulting Projects