As the Interim Director responsible for the formation and formalization of the Institute for Integrated Health and Innovation at the University of Rhode Island, I am passionate about the importance of interdisciplinary education and the need to leverage multiple perspectives and expertise to work on the challenges in our health system. This new Institute is meant to be the collaborative arm for the newly formed Academic Health Collaborative as well as faculty from across campus with an interest in health. Our mission has a broad focus, which includes interdisciplinary research, teaching, and service with a focus on health. 

Part of the reason for my selection to direct this major new initiative at the University of Rhode Island was my history engaging in interdisciplinary research teams. All of my scholarship at the University has been completed in conjunction with faculty from my own College of Human Science and Service, but also with colleagues from across campus in the Colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing, Arts & Sciences, and Environment and Life Sciences.  I value all of the knowledge and insight that individuals from different perspectives bring to table in attempting to understand and solve major challenges facing our society. 

Education

• PhD | University of Illinois
• M.S. | Miami (Ohio) University
• B.S. | University of Illinois