Faculty Research Spotlight

What brought you to the UAB School of Public Health?

Opportunity. After moving to Birmingham while working remotely for Troy University, I was eager to join UAB to further my professional growth, learn within a larger academic environment, and become more engaged with the local community.

What is the broad focus of your research?

I conduct suicide prevention research that emphasizes the evaluation of layperson prevention trainings, such as Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training. This work examines how these trainings function in real-world settings, including their effectiveness, implementation, and role in increasing awareness, help-seeking, and early intervention among non-clinicians.

Additionally, I conduct research on enrollment management–related topics, including the use and interpretation of enrollment funnel data, academic integrity, and other institutional practices that shape student access, persistence, and decision-making.

Where did you receive your training and degrees? 

I received my BS in Criminal Justice from Troy University, MS in Criminal Justice from Troy University, and PhD in Health Education/Health Promotion from the University of Alabama at Birmingham

What is the most exciting project you are currently working on?

A large evaluation of QPR trainings. We analyzed post‑training feedback from nearly 1,000 participants over several years to understand not just knowledge gains, but how confident people feel stepping in and what they experience as the biggest strengths and challenges of the training. I love that this work directly informs how these programs can be improved and better support real‑world intervention.

What is your favorite self-authored manuscript?

A qualitative exploration of question, persuade, refer (QPR) gatekeeper training by the alabama suicide prevention and resources coalition

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far in your career?

Helping people reach their educational and professional goals is what I’m most proud of. Hearing that I played a role in supporting someone’s success is what makes my work deeply rewarding.

What is the coolest training or program you've been a part of, or your favorite conference you've attended?

I used to help train narcotics detection K‑9 dogs by hiding substances on myself or within assigned objects, such as vehicles or backpacks, to support realistic training scenarios.

What kind of research would you like to be doing that you haven't yet had the opportunity to do?

I’d like to develop a project that compares culturally relevant suicide prevention strategies across Indigenous communities globally, with a focus on what approaches are most meaningful and effective in context.

If you had the funding to answer any one research question, what would that question be?

How do culturally grounded suicide prevention approaches differ across Indigenous populations globally, and what shared mechanisms and contextual factors contribute to their effectiveness?

If you weren't in academia, what would your career be? 

I'd be a lighthouse keeper and do voice acting on the side.