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MEET THE TEAM
D. Scott Batey
PhD, MSW, LICSW, PIP
Director, Magic City Research Institute
Dr. D. Scott Batey (he/him) is the Director of the Magic City Research Institute. Professor in the School of Social Work at Tulane University (Scott Batey, PhD, MSW | Tulane School of Social Work), Dr. Batey’s research focuses on eliminating health disparities, especially those prominent along the HIV Care Continuum. Within this framework, he conducts mixed-methods research to answer important research questions. Informed by 29 years’ experience as a licensed social work clinician (both in Alabama and Louisiana), his implementation research especially leverages the inherent skills of social workers to uniquely deliver evidence-based interventions; it is routinely community-placed and community-driven. Dr. Batey is PI, site PI (Investigator of Record), or Co-I on several ongoing NIH studies, currently partnering with investigators at Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), University of Chicago, and University of Washington. His major scientific contributions center on implementation of promising interventions and delivery strategies that effectively and efficiently address gaps in the HIV care continuum, utilize evidence-based social work practice, reduce health-related stigmas, and optimize the primary medical clinic-community interface. Prior to his transition to Tulane in 2022, Dr. Batey led the UAB Center for AIDS Research’s (CFAR’s) community engagement efforts, and he maintains his affiliation as Scientist with the CFAR (Home - Center for AIDS Research). He is a faculty scientist with The Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation | CIDNI at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Batey lives with his husband of 32 years, Bryan, and their three French bulldogs, Napoleon, Ollie Merle, and Lisette.
Josh Bruce
MPH
Director of New Initiatives, Birmingham AIDS Outreach
Josh@birminghamaidsoutreach.org
Josh Bruce, MPH (he/him) is the Director of New Initiatives at Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO), where he leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programs designed to address emerging health needs within the community. Mr. Bruce brings more than thirteen years of experience working in the field of infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on HIV prevention, care, and treatment, as well as other communicable diseases that disproportionately impact vulnerable and underserved populations. His research and programmatic efforts center on LGBTQ+ health, health equity, and community-based interventions, with the definitive goal of improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities among marginalized communities. In addition to his work at BAO, Mr. Bruce is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where his scholarly work explores the intersections of sexual health, stigma, and access to care. He also serves as an adjunct professor at UAB, where he teaches an LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness Service Learning course that equips students with practical skills to engage in community-based health initiatives and foster inclusive healthcare environments. Throughout his career, Mr. Bruce has collaborated on a variety of research and public health projects with institutions including Columbia University, UAB, Florida State University, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Washington, the University of Chicago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). His contributions to these projects have advanced the understanding of health disparities affecting LGBTQ+ populations and informed the development of evidence-based strategies to promote health equity.
The Rev. Dr. Christopher M. Hamlin serves as Pastor of the 138 year old Tabernacle Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. In 2023, he retired as Chaplain/Education Specialist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s 1917 Clinic, the HIV outpatient clinic treating more than 3,400 patients. For six years, he served as Facilitator for Project Corporate Leadership, a leadership program designed for middle managers of businesses and corporations sponsored by the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. From 1990 to September 2000, Dr. Hamlin served as Senior Pastor of the historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church of Birmingham.
A native of Macon, Georgia, Dr. Hamlin received a B.A. degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia; Master of Divinity from Colgate Crozer Theological Seminary, Rochester, New York; and Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary (Proctor-Moss Fellow), Dayton, Ohio. His doctoral dissertation focused on the unique role of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church as a memorial and opened-door church.
In 1998, he published a history on Sixteenth Street Baptist Church titled, Behind the Stained Glass: A History of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Crane Hill Publishers, Birmingham, Alabama. He and the Rev. Sarah Jackson Shelton (Baptist Church of the Covenant, Birmingham) published the Teaching Church: Congregation as Mentor in 2013 (Smyth-Helwys, Publishers) that examines what pastors learn from congregations. He is currently working on three manuscripts for publication — one of spiritual reflections, another chronicling his journey with three bouts of cancer, and a research project examining the connectional links of Drs. Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, Benjamin E. Mays and Howard Thurman, all connected through Howard University and Morehouse College. He has contributed to three publications through his work with UAB’s Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and the School of Public Health.
He is married to Sara B. Hamlin, Vice President of Tourism for the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, and they are parents to Jermaine Fuller and Kyle P. Hamlin and grandparents of Karter, Peyton, and Kali.
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Yookyong Lee
PhD, MSW
Affiliated Scientist
Dr. Yookyong Lee (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Her early research focused on young parents, parenting behavior, child abuse and neglect, father involvement, community violence exposure and its effect on parenting and child outcomes. She was trained as a quantitative researcher and have conducted secondary data analyses of a national, longitudinal study. Later, Dr. Lee received several internal grants to conduct primary data collection using the qualitative methods. She conducted studies that involved a mixed-method approach and trained and supervised research assistants and student workers for these projects More recently, she developed a new research agenda in the field of aging and HIV. She has been expanding her research agenda to include people with HIV (PWH), especially those who are aging with HIV and older PWH who are caregivers. It will be important to know what older people with HIV and older people who are at risk for HIV need to age successfully so that appropriate services and programs can be developed for them. She has also been conducting studies in the overlapped areas of homelessness and HIV to examine the feasibility and acceptability of HIV testing for this special population. Dr. Lee aims to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations. She has been trying to establish a firm foundation in the field of aging (including non-HIV related successful aging), HIV, and caregiving.
Terrell Jeffery
BA
Project Interventionist / Data Manager
Terrell Jeffery (he/him) is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor’s in Marketing from Alabama State University and has years of experience working with various organizations supporting populations with HIV. Throughout his career, he has been committed to promoting sexual health and wellness, with a focus on educating communities about HIV prevention and care. Terrell has actively participated in numerous outreach programs, conducting HIV education workshops, providing instant HIV testing, and advocating for sexual health awareness. In addition to his hands-on work in the community, Terrell has facilitated support groups for HIV-positive clients, creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and challenges. His compassionate approach and ability to foster meaningful connections have helped many individuals find the emotional support and resources they need to manage their health. His role as a Program Interventionist/Data Manager is essential in supporting all research-based activities and evidence-based interventions to achieve a successful outcome.
Matthew Bray
BA
mChoice Research Assistant
matthewbray@mcri-bao.org
Matthew Bray (he/him) is a skilled research professional supporting implementation for clinical investigations in HIV prevention. Originally from Birmingham, he earned a Bachelor’s in Sociology (Intensive) with a concentration in Health and Society from Yale University. On top of a strong foundation in public health, his academic background focused on the intersection of novel digital technologies and healthcare. While at Yale, Matthew conducted policy research into accountable artificial intelligence in healthcare as part of an interdisciplinary team of social scientists and machine learning developers. In his current role, Matthew coordinates participant recruitment, enrollment, data collection, and retention for the Birmingham cohort of Columbia University School of Nursing’s mChoice Study of digital health interventions for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence and uptake. He brings care, discretion, and dedication to his role in supporting patient-centered clinical interventions in HIV prevention.
Karen Musgrove
PhD, MEd, LPC
CEO, Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO)
Dr. Karen Musgrove (she/hers) currently serves as the CEO for BAO, Magic City Acceptance Center, Magic City Wellness Center, and the Magic City Acceptance Academy. BAO is the first non-profit agency in Alabama with the mission to serve HIV positive individuals. The Magic City Wellness Center is the first LGBTQ medical wellness center in the state of Alabama, the Magic City Acceptance Center is a LGBTQ youth center, and the Magic City Acceptance Academy, opening in 2021, will be the first LGBTQ affirming charter school. Dr. Musgrove has experience in case management, grant writing, grant administration, administrating new programs, management of funding, program development, speaking on a variety of subjects, natural disaster emergency response, and community collaboration. Dr. Musgrove graduated in 2020 from the UAB School of Public Health and with a dissertation research topic, “Exploring the Physical and Mental Health Disparities in the Transgender Male Community in a Southern Community-Based Medical LGBTQ Organization” to bring attention to the transgender medical and mental health needs. Dr. Musgrove is the UAB School of Public Health 2020 Student of the Year. Dr. Musgrove has worked for various non-profits in the Birmingham community including Gateway, JBS Mental Health Authority and American Red Cross. Honors include: Leadership Alabama, 2019; Leadership Birmingham, 2015; The Women’s Network; American Red Cross Mental Health Volunteer, World Trade Center 9/11, 2001; Top 40 under 40, Birmingham Business Journal, 2001; Smart Woman 2012, The Women’s Fund. Karen has served on the following non-profit boards: Sidewalk Film Festival; The Magic City Choral Society – founding board member, past chair; Crestwood North Neighborhood – board member; Central Alabama Theatre – founding board member, vice chair; Birmingham AIDS Outreach – board member and executive committee.
Mylinn Phillips
M.Ed
Research Assistant
Milynn Phillips is a dedicated research assistant with a strong background in special education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from The University of Alabama in May 2017 before completing her master’s degree in Special Education at The University of West Alabama in December 2019. Before transitioning into her current position, Milynn spent six years as a special education teacher, where she made a meaningful impact on the lives of her students by fostering inclusive learning environments and championing individualized support. During this time, she also served in various leadership programs, collaborated with colleagues to implement evidence-based practices, and actively participated in numerous professional development opportunities to enhance her expertise. Her passion for education, research, and advocacy continues to drive her work today. In addition to serving as a Research Assistant/Administrative Assistant at MCRI, Milynn also works as a Research Assistant at Tulane University, where she began in July 2023. At Tulane, she contributes to multiple studies focusing on HIV research. Outside of her professional career, Milynn enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two boys. She is an avid Alabama football fan and loves to travel, always seeking new experiences and adventures.