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 Clinical Professor of Health Psychology

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

I grew up in the Chicago area and completed my undergraduate in Peoria, Illinois. I obtained my PhD in clinical psychology from the University of South Florida. My training in health psychology continued in Texas, at the Central Texas and Houston VA.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I really enjoy being outdoors and active, playing soccer or hiking. I especially enjoy exploring new places and traveling with my husband and our animals (a dog and a cat). Additionally, I’m a huge reader and will finish any book you recommend to me almost immediately.

What brought you to Mizzou?

The initial draw was a position specific to health psychology and the ability to develop my own care line working with chronic pain and sleep. During interviews, the Department of Health Psychology was incredible and really displayed what a great place it would be to work.

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

Although my primary job is clinical, I have a history of research in health behaviors and emotion, particularly sleep and depression. I have been interested in sleep stemming from an undergraduate research experience working with sleep and dementia at an ADRC and continued to explore health behaviors such as sleep and their impact on emotional experience. 

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

I’m really excited to begin my own care line and become part of the team in the Department of Health Psychology. I hope to be able to offer services that can be helpful for MU and the greater community.