What is your professional background?
I am a physician-scientist focused on translational tuberculosis (TB) research. I completed my medical education at Case Western Reserve University and my internal medicine training at the University of Colorado. I came to Emory to complete my fellowship in infectious diseases, and I have been here ever since. I am a graduate of the Emory T-32 Vaccinology Training Program and my research is currently supported by an NIH K23 Career Development Award.
In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I am an assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases. My primary research mentor is Henry Blumberg, who is also in the Division of Infectious Diseases.
Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
Despite being the leading cause of infectious disease-related mortality worldwide, TB remains challenging to diagnose. This is particularly true in resource-limited areas, which bear a disproportionate burden of TB and often lack the laboratory infrastructure needed to diagnose TB quickly and accurately. My research focuses on using systems biology approaches to discover new TB biomarkers that are detectable in blood or urine samples. The goal of this research is to create molecular targets for point of care diagnostic tests to better diagnose TB and monitor response to treatment at the primary care level in resource-limited settings.
What do you like most about Emory?
My favorite thing about Emory is the incredibly collegial atmosphere in both the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Medicine. The tremendous support and mentorship available to junior investigators at Emory is quite unique.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
‘Seinfeld.’ Who wants to watch a TV show that’s actually about something?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
My favorite things to do outside of work are to run and spend time with my family.
What is a fun fact about you?
I was a Spanish major in college. Sometimes I still wonder how I ended up as a scientist, but I’m glad it worked out!
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