I have a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, an M.A. in Cognitive Psychology, an M.S.P.H. in Decision Sciences and Biostatistics, and a B.A. in Photojournalism.

I teach a variety of courses at the undergraduate and graduate level; Most commonly, these courses are: Introduction to Social and Behavioral Sciences (undergrad), Health Decision and Risk Analysis (MPH), and Health Risk Communication (PhD). My teaching is guided by best-practice principles such as team-based learning, active learning strategies, and a focus on learner-centered outcomes. Additionally, I lead experiential learning activities that include study abroad and/or international service learning. My graduate students conduct research in improving health-related decision making, quality of life, and reducing health disparities. 

My research and scholarship centers on facilitating better health-related decision making. I am motivated to understand why individuals engage or fail to engage in prevention activities (e.g., vaccination and screening) and how they use information sources to inform their behaviors and choices. I enjoy working with stakeholders to develop patient decision aids to facilitate effective communication and shared decision making. 

My main line of inquiry is the prevention of HPV-associated cancers and cervical cancer screening. Disparities in cancer incidence and mortality are evident among rural and non-rural dwellers, and among people with differing racial and ethnic backgrounds. We can reduce these disparities by developing evidence-based interventions that improve health behaviors and decisions.