What brought you to the UAB School of Public Health?

I was considering a few other options when I interviewed here. Quite frankly, what struck me most about UAB SOPH was diversity and the overall seamless interview process (including the good connection I had with the search committee).

What is the broad focus of your research?

Health Disparities.

Where did you receive your training and degrees?

East Tennessee State University.

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

Exposure to tobacco smoke as a risk factor for lung cancer in LMICs (low- and middle- income countries).

What is your favorite self-authored manuscript?

Associations of depression with hypertension and citizenship among U.S. adults.

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

Mentoring students who end up having successful careers in public health.

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

One of the coolest trainings I recently attended was the Sparkman Global Health Summer Institute. I enjoyed hearing the diverse perspectives of public health professionals working at different levels and geographical locations.

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

There are two research areas that I have not had the opportunity and/or capacity to fully develop: Heat stress and pedagogical research.

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

What is the feasibility and uptake of low-dose CT (LDCT) scan for lung cancer screening in rural Alabama?

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

Any career in caregiving is another option that works for me. Thank you!