Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Public Health
Walden University

Master of Science (M.S.)

Public Health
Walden University

Master of Science (M.S.)

Human Resources
Central Michigan University

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)

Management and Liberal ArtsBaker College
Baker College

Health Disparities

Health Literacy

Women's Health

Mental Health and Burnout

CHER Summer Institute Fellow

The Center for Health Equity Research (CHER) Summer Institute Fellow sponsored by California State University-Long Beach is designed to increase the number of early career faculty members who are better prepared to become NIH principal investigators in the field of community-engaged biomedical research with basic, clinical, or behavioral outcomes to eliminate health disparities among racial/ethnic minority populations; and to increase the quantity and quality of health equity research targeting vulnerable ethnic minority populations developed by CHER Institute participants.

LEADS Fellow

The Leading Emerging and Diverse Scientists to Success (LEADS) Fellow in Translational Research sponsored by University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Clinical Research Education and Clinical and Translational Science Institute. LEADS provides training in grant writing skills and networking opportunities with the ultimate goal of Scholars successfully submitting a grant to a federal funding agency by the end of their fellowship. LEADS is sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH), grant R25 GM116740.

The Role of Socioeconomic Status in Uterine Fibroid Awareness and Treatment

The Role of Socioeconomic Status in Uterine Fibroid Awareness and Treatment: a narrative review

This review aimed to characterize the socioeconomic disparities and inequities regarding uterine fibroids awareness, perceptions, and treatment and to understand how socioeconomic status impacts knowledge and treatment of uterine fibroids.

Just Get a Hysterectomy

Just Get a Hysterectomy

An African American woman with uterine fibroids is advised to get a hysterectomy, despite the availability of less life-altering options.

The impact of health literacy on uterine fibroid awareness, diagnosis, and treatment in the U.S.

The impact of health literacy on uterine fibroid awareness, diagnosis, and treatment in the United States: a mini literature review

This review explores the impact of health literacy levels on uterine fibroid awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. PubMed, CINAHL, and Academic Search Premier searched articles published between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022.

The Necessity of Incorporating Health Literacy Content and Assessments in Healthcare Courses

The Necessity of Incorporating Health Literacy Content and Assessments in Healthcare Courses in Higher Education Digest

Are You Ok? Simple Solutions to Prevent Burnout

Are You Ok? Simple Solutions to Prevent Burnout in Higher Education Digest

Fibroids and Health Equity

Fibroids and Health Equity: Proceedings from the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation Research Consensus Panel

While known health care disparities among patients with fibroids exist, there is a lack of research on health equity in this specific population and how it affects patients seeking care and the treatment options offered or ultimately the selection they make. Subject matter experts from interventional radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, epidemiology, public health, and patient advocacy participated in a Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation Research Consensus Panel to discuss and to prioritize critical research topics focusing on health equity in patients with uterine fibroids. After topic presentations and discussion of research ideas, the panelists prioritized the following topics: (a) a prospective study evaluating whether the introduction of a standard educational program to patients with low health literacy regarding fibroids improves their scores on standardized patient-reported outcome measures; (b) evaluation of whether a digital-based technology can be effectively used to improve health education and awareness of fibroids; and (c) performance of surveys of patients to understand their barriers to accessing fibroid care and their motivations for selecting different fibroid treatments.

Implicit Bias Education for Future Health Leaders

Implicit Bias Education for Future Health Leaders: Curriculum Strategies and Reflections

This study examined undergraduate healthcare students’ reflections after completing the Harvard Implicit Association Test (IAT) as part of a health marketing course. While most students exhibited implicit biases, they also expressed a commitment to equitable treatment. Students recognized  that, although implicit bias does not imply  intentional discrimination, it can subtly influence behavior. Many reported surprise or disagreements with their results, revealing internal tension when unconscious biases conflicted with their self-perception. The assignment, paired with a lecture and classroom discussion, fostered self-awareness and underscored the importance of incorporating implicit bias education into healthcare training. A supportive, nonjudgmental learning environment is essential for honest reflection and open dialogue. These findings highlight the value of structured implicit bias  education in preparing inclusive,  culturally competent healthcare professionals committed to advancing health equity and reducing disparities.

Recommended Teaching Strategies to Mitigate Implicit Bias in Minority Healthcare Students

Recommended Teaching Strategies to Mitigate Implicit Bias in Minority Healthcare Students

Implicit bias, also known as unconscious bias, is a form of bias that occurs automatically and unintentionally. Implicit bias impacts judgment  and decisions, which leads to unfair treatment practices and health disparities. A narrative review was conducted to search available literature on using implicit  bias teaching strategies within health professions graduate programs. A total of 25 articles were reviewed. The review highlights the need for health professions programs to incorporate multiple educational strategies continuously into the student curriculum. A primary step in this commitment is required formal implicit bias training for all faculty teaching in health professions programs and all students enrolled in health professions programs.