I study how difficult life circumstances can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on the connection between socioeconomic status and early signs of Alzheimer’s dementia. I have received funding for this work through NIH T32 and F99/K00 grants. My PhD dissertation focused on socioeconomic disadvantage as a driver of gut microbiome changes that could lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
I am passionate about fairness in healthcare and science education. With the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, I worked on equitable admissions, student support, graduate program infrastructure, and policy guidelines toward promoting a diverse and thriving community. I have mentored undergraduate and graduate students and engaged in participant outreach through the Wisconsin ADRS. Through my research and advocacy, aim to inform therapeutic and policy interventions that benefit those who are underserved by our current health, economic, and social systems.