What is your professional background?
I received a BS in biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and my MD from Harvard Medical School. I did my internal medicine residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and came to Emory to complete fellowships in general cardiology and advanced heart failure and transplantation. After joining the faculty of the Division of Cardiology, I also completed a MSCR degree from the Laney Graduate School.
In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I am in the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine. My primary mentor is Arshed Quyyumi, and I am also mentored by Dean Jones and Javed Butler.
Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My research largely examines the importance of non-modifiable risk factors, such as race and gender, as well as social determinants of health that contribute to excess disease risk along the spectrum of heart failure, including clinical outcomes after heart transplantation and LVAD implantation. I am currently the PI of career development awards examining biologic mechanisms that contribute to disparities in patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure funded by NIH/NHLBI as well as the Robert Wood Johnson Medical Faculty Development Program. More recently, I’ve been awarded an R03 to examine similar biologic mechanisms in patients with preserved ejection fraction heart failure.
What do you like most about Emory?
Emory has been an incredible place to do my research. The patient population is exceptionally diverse, offering a unique opportunity to perform cardiovascular research that includes substantial numbers of women and race/ethnic minorities. In addition, Atlanta has a wide spectrum of socioeconomic strata to study the importance of social determinants of health. Finally, there are so many collaborators in the DOM and RSPH who are also interested in these risk factors.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have two ridiculously cute little girls who I gladly give most of my time. But, when I am not with them, I enjoy cooking, exercising, and I play the cello in the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra.
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