Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I am pursuing my graduate degree because of my interest in understanding health disparities and chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Using multiple indicators and biomarkers of chronic diseases, I plan to add to current knowledge in my field and provide information about how specific nutrients and related foods influence health (as a part of a comprehensive and novel approach). My research is important because of the impact that nutrition has on people living with chronic diseases and/or those who have a high risk for chronic diseases. I hope to decrease health disparities by educating underserved populations about chronic diseases, prevention, and health support services.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am proud to have received the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Maximizing Access to Research Careers Travel Award (2014)

Career aspirations

The McKnight Dissertation Fellowship has impacted my graduate degree by allowing me to obtain experiences and the skills needed to become a postdoctoral scholar. I plan to continue research studies on the health of disadvantaged groups and underserved populations and the attenuation of health disparities.