PZWI staff

Denise Muesch Helm, RDH AF EdD ​

Dr. Denise Helm is a professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Principle Investigator for Project Zero-Women & Infants (PZWI).  She has served as Provost Faculty Fellow, Special Assistant to the Provost, American Council on Education Fellow, Associate Dean and Department Chair while receiving over $13 million to increase access to oral health care and to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.  Dr. Helm holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on higher education, a Master of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, from NAU.​

Marissa Adams, BS​

Marissa Adams is the Program Manager for Project Zero- Women & Infants (PZWI). She is from the Hopi Tribe of Northern Arizona. Marissa holds a Bachelors of Science in Community Health from Northern Arizona University.

​Alejandra Figueroa, MA, LSS GB​

Alejandra Figueroa is the Evaluator for Project Zero- Women & Infants (PZWI).  She has worked in healthcare and academic environments for the past 8 years.  Alejandra holds a Master of Art in Applied Anthropology from NAU and a Bachelor in Humanities from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. She is a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma and is currently working towards her Master in Public Health.