Meet Our Team

Darla Kendzor, PhD

Director

Dr. Kendzor's education includes postdoctoral training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She has a PhD from Louisiana State University and Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Illinois. She has vast experience in tobacco use and healthy lifestyle research, with an emphasis on low socioeconomic status populations. Dr. Kendzor has been the co-director for the Health Promotion Research Center since 2015. In her free time, she enjoys running, and has recently taken up guitar lessons with her daughter!

Shannon Gwin

Program Manager

Shannon Gwin, PhD, is a Sr. Research Program Coordinator joining the TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) January 2023. Prior to joining HPRC, Dr. Gwin was an adjunct professor for 5 years in Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma teaching undergraduate course work. Dr. Gwin completed her master’s and PhD degree in Health Promotion in the Dept. of Health and Exercise Science at the OU-Norman campus. Her dissertation focused on depressive symptoms/suicide ideation and religiosity in young adults. Her primary research interests involve theory-based behavioral change interventions in chronic disease and marginalized populations.

Sharon Glassman, BA

Sr. Administrative Coordinator

Sharon received her degree in public relations at the University of Central Oklahoma after spending a few years at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. Her prior work experience includes being a Registrar and substitute teacher at Edmond Public Schools. Sharon grew up in the restaurant business, so after college, she managed and directed various restaurants. Sharon is a people person and loves being around lots of people and interacting with them. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her husband and two sons. She also enjoys the beach and water, and is a good water skier!

Gaurav Kumar, PhD

Gaurav Kumar joined the Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) team in August 2024 as a Postdoctoral Fellow. He earned his PhD in Health Promotion from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he focused on physical activity among cancer survivors using a mixed-methods approach. In addition to his PhD, he holds a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) with a major in Epidemiology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His research focuses on health promotion among diverse communities, cancer care, management, and behavior change research. His work aims to address health disparities and promote equitable health practices.

Deeksha Gupta, PhD

Deeksha Gupta joined the HPRC as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in November 2025. She earned her PhD in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior from the University of South Carolina, where her dissertation examined the clinical and economic outcomes of health-related social needs interventions for individuals with chronic diseases. Her work sits at the intersection of health promotion, health equity, and implementation science. Broadly, Dr. Gupta aims to reduce health disparities through evidence-based interventions that support individuals with social needs.

Allison Hawkins, MHR, CTTS

Tobacco Treatment Specialist

Allison has a Bachelor's of Social Work from East Central University and Master of Human Relations in Counseling from the University of Oklahoma. Her research interests include health promotion in diverse populations and enhancing tribal partnerships in research. Her greatest passion is empowering vulnerable populations to reach their health and healing goals. Allison enjoys spending time with family, outdoor activities and nature.

Kaelie Miller

Staff Research Assistant

Kaelie Miller is an alum of the University of Oklahoma. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology with minor concentrations in English Writing and WGS. Kaelie joined the HPRC in March of 2024 as a Research Technician in the Tobacco Treatment Research Program. Her prior work experience was based in customer service, and she uses that service-driven attitude to ensure every participant has an uplifting and positive experience with the clinic. Kaelie enjoys working at the TTRP because of daily opportunities to connect with those who may be struggling and offer them resources, uplifting support, and a listening ear that could be life changing. She looks forward to continuous learning and growth with the HRPC and within the TTRP.

Roma Thakur, MSHI, TTS, CAHIMS

Sr. Research Program Coordinator

Roma received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Zhengzhou University in Henan, China. She completed her Master's of Science in Healthcare Informatics from the University of Central Florida. Roma's medical experience includes working in various departments such as anesthesiology and the ICU, providing care in an earthquake relief program, and vaccination drives in Nepal. Roma's hobbies are reading, listening to music, and traveling.

Sarah Trolinger

Staff Research Assistant

Sarah Trolinger joined the HPRC team in in 2025. Sarah graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma.

James Gallaher

Staff Research Assistant

James Gallaher joined the HPRC in 2025. James has a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science.

Rayne Caldwell, BS, TTS

Sr. Staff Research Assistant

Rayne earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a Pre-Medicine certification, from the University of Oklahoma. After collaborating with the Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) during undergrad, she rejoined the clinic as a Research Assistant in February of 2024 to focus on health disparities within the Oklahoma community. Rayne is deeply passionate about both research and medicine, with a long-term goal of integrating these fields through the pursuit of an MD-PhD degree. In her current role with the HPRC, she contributes to the development of evidence-based treatment strategies, as well as providing resources and counseling to support individuals in need.