About Me
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy and a core faculty member of the Maya Angelou Research Center for Healthy Communities. I also serve as the Assistant Director of Metrics & Catchment Area Research in the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center (AHWFBCCC). In this role, I develop, monitor, and evaluate cancer prevention and control metrics to inform priorities and enhance the reach and impact of AHWFBCCC.
As a geosocial health policy researcher, I use health geography and mixed methods (including quantitative, qualitative, geographic information systems, and geographic ecological momentary assessment) to examine how health behaviors and outcomes are influenced by the social and built environments in which people live, work, socialize, and interact. Grounded in policy implementation science, my research critically evaluates the design, implementation, impact, and dissemination of substance use prevention and control policies. A central focus of my research is designing and evaluating policies to reduce neighborhood retail tobacco product availability and marketing for all people. As a former public health practitioner, I prioritize strong partnerships with community organizations to enhance the relevance, impact, and dissemination of my research. Please feel free to reach out about opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.