I grew up in Cincinnati, OH, and have obtained four degrees from the University of Cincinnati (UC). I selected the UC Health Education Program for my graduate training because of the collaborative research opportunities with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). Currently, I am a tenured Associate Professor in the School of Human Services at UC and a Research Affiliate of CCHMC’s Division of Emergency Medicine. I was recently awarded a Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Research that emphasizes clinical epidemiology/effectiveness. I am a Certified Health Education Specialist and Tobacco Treatment Specialist.

I was attracted to public health because it combines biological, environmental, and medical sciences to improve health through behavior change. During my graduate studies at UC and clinical research assistantship at CCHMC, I realized the urgent need for integrated health services and health promotion to optimize outcomes among underserved pediatric populations. As such, I devoted my research career to multidisciplinary science and implementing impactful, cost-effective interventions in the healthcare setting that are capable of driving systems change.

I am a NIDA Mentored Research Scientist Development Awardee (K01DA044313). My K01 research identifies the health and economic burden of child tobacco smoke exposure. I have a supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team of mentors with skills spanning the full range of my career development needs. Dr. Mahabee-Gittens, my K01 primary mentor, has been invaluable since the beginning of my UC professorship. I developed my interest in tobacco control from assisting with her research. Drs. Gordon and Lyons, my other K01 mentors, have provided essential advice about my research and career trajectories. Dr. Jandarov, my K01 statistician, has been instrumental in expanding my understanding of complex statistical techniques.

I believe the keys to research success are progress, flexibility, and collaboration. Success is not always linear and there will be setbacks, detours, and delays that we can learn from along the way.