Tell us about yourself.
I am a Research Scientist at the University of Georgia's Center for Family Research and a second-year Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student in Community Health Behavior and Education at Georgia Southern University. For more than 17 years, I have contributed to longitudinal behavioral and public health research through study implementation, protocol development, biospecimen collection, data collection, project coordination, and management of NIH-funded research. My work has focused on translating research protocols into high-quality, real-world study implementation while ensuring rigorous data collection and operational excellence. Today, I am building an independent program of research focused on behavioral health, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, women's health, and implementation and dissemination science. My long-term goal is to become an independent researcher and faculty member dedicated to advancing evidence-based public health interventions.
Why did you pursue a DrPH?
Throughout my career, I realized I didn't just want to implement research; I wanted to lead it. Pursuing a DrPH has given me the opportunity to strengthen my skills as a researcher while preparing to translate evidence into real-world public health practice. My goal is to develop research that not only advances science but also improves the health of communities.
What are you currently excited about in your job?
I'm excited about leading my independent qualitative research exploring the behavioral factors that influence health decision-making, vitamin D awareness, and supplementation among midlife women while continuing to support large NIH-funded research projects at the University of Georgia. I'm also grateful to have recently published a public-facing article through the Society of Behavioral Medicine, which allowed me to translate research into practical health information for the public. It's rewarding to contribute to collaborative research while developing my own independent program of research in behavioral health, metabolic health, and chronic disease prevention.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
"Still Becoming." Because I've learned that growth never stops. Every opportunity, challenge, and accomplishment has prepared me for the next chapter as a public health researcher and leader.
What is something interesting about you that we should know?
Outside of research, I'm a certified fitness instructor and enjoy teaching group fitness classes. My passion for health extends beyond research because I believe healthy living and public health go hand in hand.
