About Me:
I am a highly accomplished and multifaceted scientist with a strong background in exercise physiology, public health, and human performance research. I am a dedicated researcher with a passion for improving cardiometabolic health, women’s health, and overall well-being, particularly within the military population and their families. I also have a strong passion for mentoring. My career reflects a consistent pursuit of academic excellence, clinical experience, and a commitment to translating research findings into practical applications and policy recommendations.
Key Characteristics & Expertise:
Extensive Education & Training: I hold a Ph.D. in Public Health (Exercise Science), an M.S. in Strength and Conditioning, and a B.S. in Clinical Exercise Science with diverse track options (Clinical, Strength and Conditioning). My postdoctoral fellowship at Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC) focused on reproductive endocrinology and women's health.
Research Focus: My research interests lie at the intersection of lifestyle behaviors, such as physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and diet, and cardiometabolic outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity, with a specific focus on interventions to improve these habits. I am particularly interested in preconception health and how lifestyle factors impact maternal and infant health. My most recent position at the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) was focused on human performance and cognitive science.
Multifaceted Professional Experience: My career spans academic research, clinical practice, and industry collaboration. This diverse experience provides me with a unique perspective on translating research findings into real-world solutions and policy implications. I have worked in clinical settings, research labs, and have contributed to national defense through my role at NHRC. I have maintained ties to academia through my Research Associate position at Deep Roots Research Group and as Adjunct Faculty at PBRC. I have also participated in industry as an Expert Contributor in Sports Science for Snorkel AI and Handshake AI.
Interdisciplinary Approach: My work bridges multiple disciplines, including exercise science, public health, endocrinology, women's health, and military science. This interdisciplinary perspective allows me to tackle complex health challenges from multiple angles.
Mentoring: I have a strong passion for mentoring students and early career researchers in cardiometabolic health, women’s health, and aging. I emphasize the importance of research generation, scientific writing, and professional development to inspire new perspectives and address overlooked topics.
Publication Record: I have an impressive publication record in peer-reviewed journals, with a focus on glycemic variability, physical activity, and the impact of lifestyle factors on metabolic health, sleep, and maternal health. I also have several publications resulting from my research in the military sector.
Professional Organizations: I am actively involved in numerous professional organizations, reflecting my commitment to staying current with the latest research and contributing to the advancement of his field.
Recognized Leader: I have received numerous fellowships, awards, and honors, including the Dr. Delores Etter Top Scientists and Engineers Award, The Assistant Navy, Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN RD&A) Individual and Group Research Award, the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) Individual and Group Research Award, Louisiana Public Facilities Authority (LPFA) Endowed Fellowship, PBRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow of the Year, and a Trainee Merit Award from the Sleep Research Society. These accolades demonstrate my leadership potential and commitment to excellence.
Personal Attributes:
Passionate: Driven by a genuine interest in improving health and well-being.
Dedicated: Committed to my research and professional goals.
Collaborative: Works effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
Communicator: Able to effectively disseminate research findings to diverse audiences.
Mentor: Committed to training the next generation of scientists.
Prior Professional Training and Experience:
Senior Scientist, Leidos Inc. government contract with the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC)
Research Associate, Deep Roots Research Group, Non-Profit
Operations Manager, Dock Parts USA, LLC
Managing Partner, Hayes Aluminum, Inc.
Adjunct Faculty, Division of Clinical and Population Sciences, Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC)
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Reproductive Endocrinology and Women's Health, Division of Clinical and Population Sciences, PBRC
Clinical Exercise Scientist, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center (DUMC)
Clinical Research Associate, Human Physiology Testing Core, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (DMPI)
Cardiology Technician, Division of Electrophysiology, DUMC
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Physiology and Human Metabolism, Department of Exercise Science, Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, The University of South Carolina (USC)
Master of Science, Strength, Conditioning, and Sports Performance, Department of Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Sciences, Louisiana Tech University (LA Tech)
Bachelor of Science, Clinical Exercise Science, Department of Kinesiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe (UL-Monroe)