I grew up in the Maryland-Washington DC area and witnessed many inequities in social determinants of health and health outcomes. At a young age I knew I wanted to focus my career on health equity and disease prevention. I obtained a BS and MPH in environmental studies and environmental health at Emory University in Atlanta. Prior to medical school, I worked as a program and laboratory manager at an HIV and family planning research organization in Zambia.
I traveled across the world to start my medical education in sunny San Diego! Besides watching sunsets and eating tacos, I participated in affinity organizations for minority students, executed a community based participatory research project, and assisted with curriculum reform. Currently, my research focus is in social epidemiology, including how racism and adverse childhood experiences impact physical and mental wellbeing; along with enhancing medical education to meet the needs and interests of a diversifying student body and patient population.
I chose UNC Family Medicine, Piedmont Health Service (Siler City) for the diverse patient populations and training sites. Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors and exploring the many joys of North Carolina.