Greetings & Welcome to my comprehensive and interactive digital portfolio. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences at Oregon Health & Sciences University's (OHSU) School of Dentistry supported under an NIH NIDCR K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Grant (100%). Previously, I was a Postdoctoral Scholar at OHSU (2020-2023) in the Department of Integrative and Biomedical Sciences and Dental Academic Research Training (DART) Postdoctoral Research Scholar Trainee (2016-2020) in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). I worked at UAB for 20 years prior to moving to OHSU in March 2020 to complete my postdoctoral training. The most important thing I can write about myself is that I absolutely committed and passionate about research and mentoring. To me, there is no greater calling than the one to better the lives of others through science and education.
Research Summary
I believe it is essential to conduct research that will contribute to the understanding of epidemiology and evolution of oral pathogens, especially Streptococcus mutans. My primary area of interest is early childhood dental caries pursuing using both focused (specifically mutans streptococci, strain-to-strain interaction) and systems biology approaches (whole microbiome, transcriptomics, metabolomics). I am also strongly interested in investigating the impact of the oral metabolome from oral bacteria and biofilms on overall human health.
Career Goals
Current Career Goals
To establish a research program of research bridging epidemiological studies that identify associations with molecular science research that can prove or disprove these associations. I plan to continue to pursue an academic career up the ranks of academia to Professor. To prepare for an academic career, I have completed the nationally recognized Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) teaching certifications (Associate, 2013 and Practitioner, 2014) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which provide specialized training for teaching at the college level. Furthermore, I completed the UAB Mentoring and Leadership Certificate program (2016) and the UAB Project Management Certificate Program and licensure (2020). I am currently engaged in Leadership Essential Training at OHSU.
Long-term Career Goals
To be a distinguished tenured professor of Oral Microbiology/Biochemisty/Pediatric Dentistry and an independent R01 Dental Research investigator. I would prefer a position primarily focused on research and mentoring, with classroom teaching as a secondary goal. Ultimately, I would like to utilize my MBA and PMP in organizational leadership roles as either a Program Director, Service Center Director or Dean of Research.
To establish a research program of research bridging epidemiological studies that identify associations with molecular science research that can prove or disprove these associations. I plan to continue to pursue an academic career up the ranks of academia to Professor. To prepare for an academic career, I have completed the nationally recognized Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) teaching certifications (Associate, 2013 and Practitioner, 2014) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which provide specialized training for teaching at the college level. Furthermore, I completed the UAB Mentoring and Leadership Certificate program (2016) and the UAB Project Management Certificate Program and licensure (2020). I am currently engaged in Leadership Essential Training at OHSU.
Long-term Career Goals
To be a distinguished tenured professor of Oral Microbiology/Biochemisty/Pediatric Dentistry and an independent R01 Dental Research investigator. I would prefer a position primarily focused on research and mentoring, with classroom teaching as a secondary goal. Ultimately, I would like to utilize my MBA and PMP in organizational leadership roles as either a Program Director, Service Center Director or Dean of Research.