PHILADELPHIA – Two University of Pennsylvania graduate students are among 16 from around the region selected as Greater Philadelphia Schweitzer Fellows for 2012-13.

Kara Cohen from the School of Nursing and Katie Murphy of the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development and Public Health program will spend the next year partnering with local community-based organizations to develop and implement year-long, mentored service projects that improve the health and well-being of underserved people.   

Cohen plans to address the podiatric concerns of homeless individuals in Philadelphia. She will provide foot soaks and evaluations at the Sunday Breakfast Mission and, through targeted health information, empower participants to take an active role in their health. She plans to use participant feedback to tailor her services in addition to creating a holistic and restorative experience for the participants.  

Murphy hopes to help undocumented Mexican immigrant mothers in South Philadelphia learn more about child development and how to navigate the health-care system. Working with community members, including Puentes De Salud’s women’s groups, to identify key themes and topics of interest for the mothers, Murphy will create a curriculum on child health and development.

Cohen and Murphy are among about 230 other 2012-13 Schweitzer Fellows at 12 program sites throughout the United States. Since 2007, the Greater Philadelphia Schweitzer Fellows Program has supported nearly 70 Schweitzer Fellows in delivering more than 13,000 hours of service.  Upon completion of their initial year, the 16 local fellows will become Schweitzer Fellows for Life.