Assistant Professor
Northwestern University
I am an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Medical Social Sciences (Implementation Science), and Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. I am also a Research Health Scientist in the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare (CINCCH) at the Hines Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Leveraging methodological expertise in implementation science and mixed methods as well as content expertise in medication safety and chronic care delivery, my long-term goals include making care safer, more equitable, and patient-centered for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and other complex, chronic illnesses. As a research-intensive team scientist, I have focused on gaining high-quality experiences in 3 complementary areas: (1) developing and leading a research program that addresses some of the most pressing healthcare delivery challenges today, particularly related to IBD care; (2) meaningfully contributing to pragmatic, multidisciplinary research centered on patient needs and strong research methods to drive impact; and (3) mentoring the next generation of health scientists. I am the Principal Investigator of a Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCF) career development award with >$430,000 in direct costs. The award’s scientific aims are to partner with clinicians and patients to create a screening tool to monitor unsafe opioid use in IBD care. This line of inquiry contributes to national opioid research priorities and builds seamlessly on my foundation of high-quality research training and experience, consistent initiative to develop new research ideas, and a high-impact record of 18 first author publications (41 total) in journals such as Implementation Science, Crohn's and Coliitis 360, and JAMA Network Open. I actively collaborate on several externally-funded research projects at Northwestern, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and the VA, showcasing the broad range of my research activities and inspiring me to consider how evidence-based care innovations and methods can be applied across clinical settings. I am also honored to instruct and mentor >35 health sciences graduate students (clinical trainees, Masters, and doctoral students). This year, I was recognized for these efforts by Northwestern’s Provost Office and awarded their prestigious Searle Teaching Fellowship.