Overview
My research interests encompass understanding how natural/built environments and social factors interact to influence health and health behaviors, with a focus on the role of geospatial factors and health disparities in these relationships. In particular, I am concerned with primordial prevention and the ways in which the natural, built, and social environments can be shaped to positively influence health and health behavior. I have applied these research interests in studying a variety of health outcomes including physical activity, cardiovascular disease, and deaths of despair.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor in Family Medicine and Community Health
·
2021 - Present
Family Medicine and Community Health,
Clinical Science Departments
Recent Publications
Family Ties and Health: Exploring the Link Between Parents' Social Networks and Child Obesity.
Journal Article Child Obes · October 2025 Background: African American (AA) and Hispanic children are at high risk of developing obesity. Social networks are powerful drivers of health behaviors and outcomes. Parent social network characteristics may influence child health behaviors and obesity ri ... Full text Link to item CiteInterest in Fertility Preservation Among Adults Seen at a Gender Care Clinic.
Journal Article J Clin Med · September 1, 2025 Introduction/Background: Medical treatments received by transgender and/or gender diverse (TGD) people can impact fertility, yet the literature lacks data on factors that influence fertility decisions among TGD people. Specific Aim(s): This study aimed to ... Full text Link to item CiteCOVID-19 in the Community: Changes to Women's Mental Health, Financial Security, and Physical Activity.
Journal Article AJPM Focus · September 2023 INTRODUCTION: This study describes changes in the mental health, financial security, and physical activity levels of women in North Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Data were collected from women aged 20-40 years receiving primary care at 2 ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Feasibility of cue-based treatment intervention to promote cessation among people who smoke lightly (<=10 cigarettes per day) or non-daily
ResearchBiostatistician · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2028Operation Deep Dive
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by America's Warrior Partnership · 2022 - 2026Virginia Operation Deep Dive: Exploring Suicide and Overdose Deaths Among Those Who Have Served
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Virginia Department of Veterans Services · 2023 - 2026View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
2016
Ph.D.
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
2011
M.S.P.H.
Purdue University ·
2009
B.S.