Sept. 11, 2020

This is part of a New Faculty Spotlight series in which we introduce all new faculty members for the 2020-2021 academic year. See the full list of new faculty. 

What is your title with Health Professions?

Assistant Teaching Professor, Health Sciences

What classes are you teaching this semester?

Humanism & Health Literacy (HS4100), Clinical Ethics (HS 4480), and co-teaching Intro to Health Professions (HS 1000)

What do you love about teaching?

I love the opportunity it provides for me to pour into students as it was done for me from teachers that I’ve had the privilege to learn from. It allows for me to contribute any way that I can to help them find their purpose and prepare for their careers and life after graduation. It was important for me as a student to not just be apart of the roster, but also know that my teacher cared and wanted me to succeed and now I am in the position to do so for my students.

Tell us a bit about yourself! What’s your background?

From St. Louis, MO. Proud alum of Mizzou, received my Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Health Administration from here. Then went on to receive my Master of Science in Nursing at Saint Louis University. I am a registered nurse and work within Labor & Delivery. Currently in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice/Family Nurse Practitioner program at Mizzou. I have a 1 year old daughter and overly supportive husband who are my daily motivation and 2 dogs.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Spend time with my family, watching sports (particularly the NBA & NFL),  go to the movies, travel and learn/try new recipes.

What brought you to Mizzou?

As I said, I am an alum of the university so I will forever be tied to Mizzou. My mentor, who is amazing, convinced me to apply for the position and I am so happy that I made the decision to do so. Columbia, Mo. has been a second home to me over the years and I felt it was only right to be able to be apart of something that contributed greatly to my journey of where I am today.

Tell us about your research interests/area of focus. What made you interested in this area within your field?

Current research interests are increasing breastfeeding exclusivity rates and decreasing minority mortality rates. Both of these interest me due to my first hand experience and because there is a lot more work to be done in order to see the change and results that we want.  

What are you most excited about in regards to the upcoming semester/working at Mizzou/your research?

I am most excited about working with my students and my colleagues and learning everything that comes with the field of academia.