Public Health Research Interests
My research interests focus on the intersection of social conditions, healthcare systems, and community-based solutions that influence population health. I am particularly interested in:

• Preventive Care Utilization in Rural Communities

  • Understanding how income, geography, and system barriers affect the frequency of preventive healthcare visits, and identifying strategies to close these gaps.

• Behavioral Health & Addiction

  • Exploring community-based approaches to address mental health, substance use, and housing instability, including the development of community-based models.

• Immunization & Preventive Health Services

  • Studying effective outreach strategies that improve vaccination uptake and preventive care access among populations with historically low coverage.

• Leadership & Public Health Systems

  • Examining how leadership practices, governance structures, and partnerships shape the effectiveness and sustainability of local health departments. 

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Reflections on Translating Research Into Practice

Research should not sit on a shelf; it should inform decisions, guide policy, and improve lives. As a practitioner, I focus on integrating findings from academic and applied research into real-world solutions. By analyzing local data and listening to community voices, I work to design strategies that remove barriers, strengthen services, and build trust in systems of care.

 

For me, research is most powerful when it is actionable, community-driven, and directly connected to improving the systems that shape people’s daily lives. The process of translating research into practice is not just about applying evidence; it is about creating partnerships, adapting approaches to local contexts, and ensuring that change is both meaningful and sustainable.