Saint Louis University (SLU)
As a health services researcher, my focus has been on exploring diverse health issues that affect older populations. My investigations have included topics such as mental health, caregiving, volunteering, and the dual threats of obesity and diabetes. My work has also involved investigating community-based multifactorial behavioral interventions to improve outcomes among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. In particular, I have focused on health disparity issues related to the negative impacts of aging on mental health, childhood adversity, food insecurity, and the obesity epidemic. My current research focuses on identifying the mediators, such as PTSD and sleep disorders, that exist between childhood trauma and cognitive functions among vulnerable populations. My advocacy for vulnerable populations has inspired me to pursue policy-oriented research and to engage actively with diverse community-based partners.