Areas of Interest

Since 2005, my career has been focused on the world of gastroenterology and hepatology with my initial research interest surrounding genetic syndrome placing a patient at increased risk for cancer. My interest was sparked from speaking with genetic laboratory representative as well as personal family history of colon cancer. My passion was to derive an effective family history-screening questionnaire for the identification of Lynch Syndrome. This topic was the research focus for my doctoral scholarly project. Lynch syndrome is a highly penetrant, autosomal dominant cancer-susceptibility syndrome implicated in approximately 3-5% of all colorectal cancers (CRC). I developed newly designed family history-screening questionnaire to identify high-risk adult candidates for Lynch syndrome who would benefit from genetic testing and genetic evaluation. Additionally the tool helped to identify patient at increased risk to harbor BRCA mutation. For the past twenty-one years, I have served in the role of translating research evidence into nursing practice to enhance patient outcomes and provide high quality patient care. My expertise lies in fields of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. I have successfully served as either primary author and/or co-author of specialty-related published articles. My current scholarly focus concentrates on the topic of chronic hepatitis C. By volunteering on four American Academy of the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) committees, I am working on strengthening my ability to design and implement studies specifically addressing disease trajectories and care studies. My vision and passion is to impact rural residences by elevating our health system to allow better access to care. The likelihood to access specialty care is lower. My mission by serving as a member of the AASLD hepatitis C SIG committee is to promote hepatitis C elimination through disease awareness, clinical education, research, and advocacy.