What is your professional background?
I graduated from Temple University with a PhD in cardiovascular physiology. Prior to my PhD, I completed a master’s degree in integrative exercise physiology at Temple and a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Cabrini College. I’m also currently pursuing an MBA in Organizational Management/Development from Goizueta.
In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Division of Cardiology under the guidance of Dr. Kathy Griendling. I also work part-time in the Emory Office of Organizational Development under the mentorship of Randall Lucius.
Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I currently work on a variety of research projects and Emory-based initiatives. On the research side, my work focuses on delineating the mechanisms through which a unique protein called Poldip2 regulates endothelial function and vascular permeability. As an extension of this project, our group has begun a collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Christine Dunham to solve the structure of Poldip2 in order to create a specific small molecule inhibitor. We have also partnered with Dr. Haian Fu and the Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center to develop an assay to screen chemical libraries for their ability to prevent inflammation-induced endothelial permeability. And, on the public health/clinical side, I have an interest in studying population trends concerning hypertension.
In the Office of Organizational Development, my work focuses on coaching Emory leaders and managers on how to create more effective work environments and how to create organizational effectiveness in a constantly changing business landscape. This work has spurred my interest into developing and implementing new strategies that will improve the efficiency of the biomedical research enterprise. Going forward, biomedical research will need innovative strategies that promote workforce engagement, sustainability, and create a culture of continual improvement that is focused on providing customer/patient-centric health solutions. In the past decade, we have come to realize that the current biomedical enterprise is not sustainable in the long-run, and that change is inevitable. We need collaborative solutions to create a more sustainable enterprise going forward.
What do you like most about Emory?
Opportunities. Emory provided me with two mentors that have let me explore my interests and passions. This has led to the development of a deep passion for organizational development and its application to biomedical research. This exploration has also led to novel findings regarding mechanisms that regulate endothelial permeability and trends in hypertension-related mortality.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I’m going to go with a book that was turned into a movie. Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey is one of the greatest works of literary fiction.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love reading about new things. My current reading list includes the topics of organizational management, statistics, quantum physics, and systems theory. More than anything, I love spending time with my wife and two cats.
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