My background is in biomedical research, and started as an undergrad in USC’s neuroscience dept, later as senior research associate at Telios Pharmaceuticals in San Diego, and as an editor at the Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI). My Ph.D. work at Columbia University explored the mechanisms of tobacco smoke-induced lung injury leading to pulmonary emphysema. After earning my Ph.D. I did a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship in cancer biology at UF Scripps, followed by promotion to project manager for Scripps' $80M NIH-funded High Throughput Screening core to identify novel therapeutic targets of disease. My research publications below showcase the outcomes of these rewarding scientific projects.
My teaching background is in biotechnology and forensic science. To advance teaching and learning, I've led several National Science Foundation programs including GeoPaths (2019-24, $50K), InnovATE (2015-18, $870K), and STEM Articulation & Transfer (2019-2025, $1.5M).
As your AD, my goal is to support faculty and student excellence. My advice to students is to register early for classes, read your course syllabus carefully, speak regularly with your professors, make note of important exam dates and homework deadlines, and keep up with the material. Most importantly, take responsibility for your own success, seek help when you need it, and believe in your abilities.
As one of our former assistant deans used to say, "Start where you are; do what you can."
