What is your professional background?
I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Microbiology. After graduation, I spent a year at the CDC working in the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, but knew that I wanted to attend medical school and care directly for patients. In 2012, I graduated from the Medical College of Georgia and moved to Boston where I completed an internal medicine residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. I was extremely impressed with Emory during my fellowship interview, so it was an easy decision to move back to Georgia and enter the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellowship here. I am currently a third-year fellow and spend the majority of my time performing basic science research.
In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and am mentored by Drs. David Guidot and Viranuj Sueblinvong.
Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My research is currently aimed at identifying the mechanism by which chronic HIV infection promotes lung fibrosis or scarring. Individuals infected with HIV have a number of non-infectious lung complication. In particular, they have around a 2-fold increased risk of lung fibrosis, however, it remains unknown whether this risk is attributable to the virus itself or an indirect effect of HIV such as recurrent pneumonias. Using an in vitro and in vivo mouse model, our lab explores the effect of HIV on the pulmonary fibroblast with the ultimate goal of translating our findings to prevent or attenuate HIV-associated pulmonary fibrosis in humans.
What do you like most about Emory?
The abundance of opportunities is endless! The network is so vast, and the faculty so varied and diverse, that you can easily pursue almost any interest you have in both the clinical and research realm.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
There are too many movies to list, but my favorite TV show has to be Breaking Bad. Thankfully, I caught it on Netflix and was able to binge rather than wait an agonizing 7 days to find out what crazy antics Walter would get up to next.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
One of the things I love most about Georgia is the abundant green space and easy access to the outdoors. I love to run, hike, camp, and just enjoy nature whenever I have the opportunity.
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