I am a PhD exercise physiologist with expertise in kinesiology, quantitative research methods, and translational research with the aim of promoting successful aging. My research program is focused developing innovative and effective methods of translating non-invasive therapies to improve cognitive and motor function among older adults in under-served, minority communities.
Through an ongoing partnership with a local community organization dedicated to supporting older adults, I have developed and am disseminating a dual-task ("thinking while moving") physical activity-based intervention for older adults managing mild cognitive impairment. I am interested in examining not only the most effective lifestyle and behavior-based therapies to improve cognitive and motor function, but also methods by which to deliver these novel therapies into community settings with unique strengths and challenges. Acquiring a more complete understanding of our older adult community members' perspectives surrounding the appeal and usability of proposed therapeutic strategies is central to my work.
I am also a co-investigator on a Veterans Affairs Small Projects in Rehabilitation Research (SPiRE) grant to study the impact of high intensity interval exercise training (HIIT) on physical performance, muscle strength and quality, frailty, and muscle blood flow among older adult veterans. This important work will help to inform future, larger-scale intervention strategies that employ HIIT to promote successful aging in various clinical contexts.
In addition, through an ongoing collaboration with the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York I am Project Director on a mixed methods assessment focused on better understand primary care providers‘ perspectives, attitudes, and practices regarding screening for fall risk and depression among older patients. The results of our assessment are directly informing development of novel community and primary-care based intervention programs in the Western and Central New York region.
Over the past 4 years I have worked extensively in medical education, striving to improve the research training that primary care providers receive at ever level of their medical education. I work closely with medical students, residents, and faculty members in primary care to inspire the physician-scientist to embrace evidence-based medicine, develop their critical thinking skills, and apply rigor to their practice.