Field(s) of research: Environmental Epidemiology, Microbiome Research, Maternal and Child Health, Neurological Health Across the Lifespan
Topic or title of current project(s): Associations between various environmental chemical exposures and the human microbiome at several sites (gut, oral, vaginal, urinary)
Quickfire Queries:
What are your interests and hobbies outside of the Department of Epidemiology?
Reading, arts and crafts of all kinds (crochet, knitting, painting, drawing, photography, mosaic, jewelry making – my current project is knitting a sweater for my daughter), spending time/playing with my family (daughter, dogs, husband).
An Octopus squish that I crocheted for my daughterMy daughter and one of my dogs having a staring contest
What is an important cause to you right now?
My family has a foundation that gives grants to many different charities every year. My favorite causes that we support are environmental (obvi), reproductive rights, literacy, and housing.
What’s one piece of microbiome advice everyone should follow?
1. Only use antibiotics when really necessary 2. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty 3. Having pets is good for your microbes
What is your favorite part of your week?
Sleeping in on the weekends.
What is something you are thankful for right now?
Breathable air, drinkable water, & sunshine.
If you didn’t have to worry about money and couldn’t pursue Epidemiology, what would your dream career be?
An artist. I like to do things with my hands, and I like to follow my interests wherever they take me and move on to the next thing once I’m bored.