HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? Call 1-800-TRY-CHOP
In This Section
‘Fostering Inclusive Spaces’: Q&A With Ola Kalu, PhD, Diversity Fellow

Ola Kalu, PhD, a CHOP Diversity Fellow in Behavioral Health, was inspired by her experiences working in educational and community behavioral health settings.
Editor's Note: Diversity and inclusion are critical drivers to our breakthroughs at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. Fostering a community of scientists from unique backgrounds and academic experiences enables collaboration to meet challenging pediatric problems from a variety of perspectives. In a continuation of our Q&A series featuring scholars in the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for Academic Diversity program at CHOP, we're featuring two new investigators who are inspired to drive change.
As a key part of CHOP's commitment to diversity, this fellowship funds talented researchers and educators from different backgrounds, races, ethnic groups, and other diverse populations. Join us to meet these fellows, learn more about their research interests, what diversity in science means to them, and how they enjoy spending their time outside of work. Our first featured Diversity Fellow is Ola Kalu, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for Injury Research & Prevention at CHOP.
What does diversity in research and science mean to you?
Diversity in research and science involves creating and fostering inclusive spaces where individuals with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences feel comfortable participating. [They are] respected for their contributions, which can inform and enhance scientific inquiry… to bring together different perspectives to solve the complex problems affecting the health and well-being of our communities.
Tell us about your background and what compelled you to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for Academic Diversity.
My background is in urban sociology, demography, education, and health disparities. I focus on understanding how systemic factors like racism, class, and spatial context impact health outcomes within Black communities. I was drawn to this fellowship because it aligned with my commitment to advancing health equity through interdisciplinary research that actively engages with community members. This opportunity allows me to deepen my understanding of health disparities while contributing to diverse perspectives within academic research.
What are some research projects that you're excited about?
I'm excited about our project examining the geographic accessibility to community resources supporting mental and physical recovery for young people who have experienced community violence. By identifying data on access to critical resources — like mental health services, basic needs, and medical care — this work aims to understand the distribution of these resources in the communities in which young people live and how geographic proximity to these services may shape the recovery of young people participating in CHOP's Violence Intervention Program.
What inspired you to choose your research focus, and what do you aim to achieve with your research?
My research focus was inspired by my experiences working in educational and community behavioral health settings, where I recognized the influence of systemic inequalities on Black populations. By highlighting the role of spatial and socioeconomic factors, I aim to contribute to a better understanding of how structural inequities impact well-being across generations, particularly among youth and Black-birthing mothers.
What do you do for fun when you're not working?
I enjoy hiking, working out, and exploring cultural events. I also love mentoring young Black and Brown women alongside my sorority, providing support and guidance in areas like academic success and emotional wellness.