overview

• Prior to obtaining my doctorate, I worked for the Illinois Department of Public Health and Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. While working with these organizations, one of my greatest frustrations was translating the scientific research into information that was not only meaningful but easily translatable and useful for the public. As such, one of the reasons for pursuing a doctorate was to bridge the gap between practice and research. Thus, my translational research agenda emphasizes determining effective yet sustainable physical activity and chronic disease management interventions and dissemination of evidence-based programs. Similarly, my teaching focuses on training the next generation of practitioners so they understand theory and real world application. Because of my experiences as a practitioner, my teaching and research efforts have always been and always will targeted at the end user:the public. I believe I am in a unique position to facilitate effective communications and collaborations between practitioners and researchers toward the end of impacting our families and communities, where all public health interventions eventually make their behavioral impact.My research agenda primarily focuses on physical activity as the cornerstone of chronic disease management and program implementation and evaluation. My current research agenda is focused on college students, work places, and underserved populations. As chronic disease, particularly type 2 diabetes, epidemic continues, it is a public health priority to develop translatable, community-based interventions that are easily disseminated and sustainable. As such, my research efforts focus on implementing and evaluating cost-effective, sustainable intervention.Specialties: I am trained in physical activity promotion and chronic disease management program development, implementation, and evaluation. Additionally, I am trained in programs focused on diabetes prevention and treatment. ;