Public health is public wealth.

I am an early career public health and social research professional interested in providing research support to address the health and social challenges of our time. I believe that we should all have a collective interest in improving the health and well-being of every member of our communities.

I started my educational and professional journey at William & Mary, where I earned a BA in Sociology and Kinesiology & Health Sciences, as well as a MEd in Higher Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership.

In 2019, I started a journey towards a career in public health and earned my MPH from The George Washington University in 2022.

Since my early days as an undergraduate student, I was intrigued by qualitative methods in research. I was able to practice qualitative methods through coursework and academic assignments, and I later found a fitting career as a Qualitative Analyst at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. I’ve provided more details about my qualitative methods research interests and experiences below.

My Research Interests

  • As a Black American woman, I have personal interest in the health and wellness of women, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. From adolescence to aging, I'm interested in the lives, health, and well-being of women across the lifespan and across the world. Past and present, I've worked on projects exploring:

    • Body image and self-perception of Black women in early adulthood (ages 18-24)

    • Comprehensive telemedicine solutions for Women Veterans

    • Perceptions of healthcare quality among breast and gynecological cancer survivors

    • Evaluated a virtual intervention program aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease risks among women Veterans living in rural communities

    • Evaluation of a program aimed at increasing women Veteran participating in clinical studies, resulting in more representative trials and more appropriate clinical directives

  • In the 21st century, chronic disease and illness have a significant impact on communities across the globe; chronic conditions even negatively impact the ability the ability to manage and survive acute conditions. I've had the honor of contributing to projects focused on topics such as:

    • Identifying intervention opportunities to increase lung cancer screening among Black Veterans

    • Analyzing impacts of a telemedicine intervention to improve management of diabetes mellitus

    • Evaluating a virtual intervention program aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease risks among Veterans living in rural communities

  • The majority of my experience has been supporting health services research. Some of the other projects that I've worked out outside of women's health and chronic disease include:

    • Increasing volunteer opportunities for Veterans living in rural communities, providing opportunities for connection and purpose as an additional angle to address mental health challenges and suicide risks

    • Understanding and evaluating the structures and processes impacting the VA's ability to provide quality palliative care to ill and aging Veterans

  • Across research topics, I've done work evaluating the use of telemedicine in modern healthcare. In addition to such work, I've used qualitative methods on a project focused on exploring the use of in-home, internet-connected devices among individuals with a range of disabilities.

  • At the heart of my interest in public health is my love of social research. As a sociology major, I was trained to be curious in social research and have developed the skills to appropriately and ethically support that curiosity.

    Outside of health services research, I have a profound interest in the personal development and social engagement of adults. Social research topics of interest to me include: adult friendship, dating, marriage, and family relationships.