I bring a multi-disciplinary research approach, setting forth a new path to explore how social factors shape life for survivors of chronic disease.
I bring a multi-disciplinary research approach, setting forth a new path to explore how social factors shape life for survivors of chronic disease.
As a social epidemiologist, my work focuses on privilege and health, including social (racism, discrimination, social capital) and economic (consumer credit, socioeconomic position, guaranteed income) determinants of disparities in chronic disease. I am co-author of the newly released book Power, Privilege and Public Health: Theory and Practice. I have led several studies as PI of NIH (F31, K01, two R21s, R01), Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Center for AIDS Research, institutional grant, and a J. William Fulbright Scholar Grant.
Rooted in my time leading a $13 million tobacco policy and control initiative in Philadelphia, PA which resulted in 40,000 fewer smokers and permanent legislative changes affecting 1.5 million Philadelphians, I returned to academia to be part of building the evidence base for chronic disease policies and programs. My research is inspired by building the evidence-base on which policies are made for those at risk of, or affected by, chronic disease. For example, my early career work work documenting persistently high costs for patients with breast-cancer lymphedema was cited in a letter to the US Congress about how the Lymphedema Treatment Act would help alleviate economic burden for breast cancer survivors; the Act was subequently passed the following year. My more recent work on the economic costs of HIV preventive medications has been cited in over nine documents in a Supreme Court case. My overarching long-term goal is to to support removal of social and financial pressures that lead to poor health.
2024 Excellence in Baltimore Public Health Practice, (awarded in collaboration with SOURCE), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
2022 Sherman A. James Diverse and Inclusive Epidemiology Award, Society for Epidemiologic Research
2021 Faculty Innovation: Gustave J Martin Award, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
2021 Advising, Mentoring and Teaching Recognition Award (AMTRA), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
2020 Distinguished Senior Investigator, AcademyHealth Disparities Interest Group
2019 Diversity Recognition Award, Johns Hopkins University Diversity Leadership Council
2019 Delta Omega Award for Innovative Public Health Curriculum, Delta Omega National Office
2018 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching
2018 NIH Early Career Review Program Member
2017 Faculty Innovation Award, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
2016 NCI National Minority Health Month Spotlight: Career Development
2015 Invited Fellow, Professional Development and Mock Review Workshop, NCI/Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities
2015 Outstanding Investigator Award, Susan G. Komen Society
2015 Community Impact Award, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Lancaster Alumni Chapter
2009 John Piersol McCaskey Distinguished Alumni Award
2005 Grantee, William J. Fulbright Program
