What brought you to the UAB School of Public Health?

My journey at the UAB School of Public Health began in the summer of 2016 when I attended a short course led by Dr. Hemant Tiwari in Biostatistics. After participating, I told my predoctoral advisor that I intended to pursue my postdoc at UAB. Fate seemed to align a couple of years later at a stroke genetics conference where I met Dr. Ryan Irvin. In passing she mentioned a postdoc position which piqued my interest. This sequence of events led me to accept the postdoc position, and I have been fortunate enough to stay ever since!

What is the broad focus of your research?

The broad focus of my research is on utilizing multi-omic biomarkers (e.g., genomics, metabolomics and epigenomics predominately) to better understand the risk for cardiovascular disease, as well as how to use these biomarkers for prevention.

Where did you receive your training and degrees?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Miami University, followed by a Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from East Carolina University (ECU). Subsequently at ECU, I pursued a PhD in Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences, concentrating on cardiovascular population genetics. After completing my doctoral studies, I started my postdoctoral training at UAB, focusing on the genetic epidemiology of hypertension, which I finished in 2022.

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

While I haven't officially begun yet, I'm eager to dive into my AHA Career Development Award project. This research will delve into sex- and racial-specific multi-omic markers associated with hypertension and heart failure. One goal of this project is to construct a comprehensive risk assessment tool for heart failure. This tool will encompass various factors such as social determinants, personal history, clinical indicators, genetic predispositions and metabolomic profiles. The ultimate objective is to develop a predictive model that outperforms existing risk assessment scores, catering to a broader spectrum of individuals.

What is your favorite self-authored manuscript?

To paraphrase Tom Brady (on his view on Super Bowl rings), I view my favorite self-authored manuscript as always being “the next one.” Presently, I have a paper undergoing review that employs a genetic risk score for systolic blood pressure. It aims to predict an individual’s response, or lack thereof, to antihypertensive medications within the Genetics of Hypertension Associated Treatments (GenHAT) and Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) studies. This particular paper potentially holds significant clinical relevance and implications, which I find particularly rewarding.

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

I think my most prized professional achievement, alongside being a first-generation college graduate and securing this faculty position, is the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with renowned researchers whom I've long admired since the start of my academic career. It's a surreal experience to find some of the very individuals who have influenced my research interests during my early graduate years now working in offices just a few doors down to mine. It truly feels like a full-circle moment.

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

One training program that holds a special place in my heart is the Sixth Annual Short Course on Statistical Genetics and Genomics, which initially introduced me to UAB back in 2016. It was during this course that I forged connections with some of my closest collaborators. In terms of conferences, I enjoy attending the annual American Heart Association Epidemiology and Lifestyle Scientific Sessions. It offers an excellent platform for trainees and early-career professionals to network with established investigators in the field of cardiovascular science.

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

I would like to explore social and structural determinants of health to a higher degree in the future. On a related note, I have always been interested in how early life and childhood factors (e.g., social support or early childhood stressors) affect biological mechanisms underlying the onset of chronic diseases.

If you had the funding to answer one research questions what would that question?

Oh boy, there are so many interesting questions. I wish I knew the answer to address both the scientific and ethical considerations regarding equitable research in genomics. I think the genetic epidemiology field overall would greatly benefit from some insight.

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

My dream job would be a sports statistician for the New York Jets, where I could contribute to drafting and trading players—hopefully improving the team's performance (not like I could do much worse…). However, growing up I was interested in careers in science or law. Therefore, if I hadn’t ended up in academia I would have probably pursued a career as a prosecuting attorney.