Technology + Adolescent

Mental Health Internship

About TAMI

TAMI is an eight-week, paid, community-engaged program at Rush University College of Nursing that trains high school students as youth researchers. Students learn to design, conduct, and present research on questions that matter to their own communities, working alongside mental health professionals, scientists, and digital health practitioners.

The program is now in its third year. To date, more than 90 students from eight Chicagoland schools have completed TAMI, and seven have gone on to co-author two peer-reviewed publications with our lab under ICMJE authorship guidelines.

What students actually do

Through weekly workshops, small-group mentorship, and project-based learning, TAMI Scholars develop research literacy, learn to analyze data, and practice the skills researchers use every day: literature review, interviewing, data interpretation, and scientific writing. Students also work with digital health tools and learn how technology can be designed to support, rather than extract from, the communities it serves.

Each cohort ends with student-led capstone projects presented at an in-person graduation at Rush. A small number of top-performing students are invited to co-author academic papers alongside our lab team.

Why TAMI is different

Most youth programs treat young people as participants. TAMI treats them as colleagues. We do not do research on our students. We do research with them, and we credit their work accordingly. The program is built on the belief that young people carry real expertise about their own lives, their own neighborhoods, and the systems that shape both. Our job is to give them the tools to turn that expertise into evidence.

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TAMI Program Schedule

Photo Gallery

Explore photos and videos showcasing our program's events, workshops, and participants' activities. See what it's all about.

2025 (Cohort 3)

Alina Z.

Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.

Chloe A.

Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.

Isabella C.

Issie W.

Kaavya S.

Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.

Chloe A.

Melissa C.

Mo' E

Rehan K.

Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.

Chloe A.

Isabella C.

Issie W.

Rehan K.

Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.

Chloe A.

Isabella C.

Yalin X.

2024 (Cohort 2)

Shantelle M.

YAB Member

Ethan H.

YAB Member

Sarah K.

YAB Member

Jason P.

YAB Member

2023 (Cohort 1)

Jayla W.

YAB Member

Pablo Z.

YAB Member

Sarah N.

YAB Member

Janiya S.

YAB Member

Program Faculty + Mentors

Chuka Emezue, PhD, MPH, MPA, CHES

Director, Lead Scientist

Andrew Froilan, MSN, RN

Research Assistant

Aaron Dunlap, MS

Research Assistant, and

Vibe Curator

Kendra Julion, MS

Research Assistant, and

Vibe Curator

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the TAMI Program?
TAMI stands for Technology & Adolescent Mental Health Internship. It is a 12-week virtual learning and mentorship program designed for high school students interested in mental health, technology, and research. Students explore how science and technology can support youth mental wellness while building real-world research and advocacy skills.

2. Who can apply?
TAMI is open to high school students (grades 9–12) in the Chicago area, with a focus on those from underrepresented communities. Students should be curious, committed, and ready to learn. No prior experience in research or mental health is required.

3. What makes TAMI different?
TAMI is not just a class. It is a movement of youth shaping the future of mental health. The program combines interactive workshops, creative challenges, peer discussions, and mentorship from researchers and community leaders who share your background and care about your voice.

4. What is the weekly time commitment?
TAMI meets once per week for 60 minutes online. There are short, engaging take-home activities in between sessions. We understand that students are busy, so we keep our approach flexible and fun.

5. Is it really free?
Yes. Participation is free, and students who meet the program requirements are eligible to receive gift cards, a certificate of completion, and an invitation to a graduation ceremony with family and friends.

6. Are there any in-person events?
While the program is fully online, we host an optional in-person graduation celebration at the end of the 12-week period.

7. Can I use this internship for school credit or volunteer hours?
Yes. We can provide documentation of your participation for service hours, independent study credit, or college/job applications.

8. How do I apply?
Click the “Apply Now” button on our website or scan the QR code on our flyer. The application includes a few short questions to get to know you. Priority is given to students who express a strong interest and availability.

9. Who runs the TAMI program?
TAMI is led by Dr. Chuka Emezue, a professor and mental health researcher at Rush University, along with a team of educators, scientists, and youth mentors.

10. I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Please email us at brotherlyactstudy@rush.edu, or message us on Instagram at @BrotherlyACT. We are happy to help!