How long have you been a member of AACE?
I am new to AACE! I joined in January 2020.
What is your current position and where do you work?
I am currently an NCI-funded T32 applied post-doctoral fellow in behavioral oncology. I work in the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL.
How long have you been doing research in the field of cancer education?
Over the last six years, my research has focused in Community Engaged Research for delivery of evidence based colorectal cancer interventions for underserved and minority populations.
How did your interest in the field of cancer education begin?
As early as my undergraduate training at Vanderbilt University, community-based work to address public health issues has always been my passion. As I continued to advance in my educational training, I remained rooted in my desire to serve with and for underserved and minority communities to resolve health disparities. I began work to address cancer disparities at the start of my doctoral program as part of a CDC funded Prevention Research Center grant.
Describe some of your research as it relates to cancer education?
Working under the mentorship of Drs. Clement Gwede and Cathy Meade, my work has integrated community engaged research strategies for increasing colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness and access to screening within Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHCs). These projects build upon multi-level, evidence-based interventions focused on low literacy CRC education and patient navigation as effective strategies to promote CRC screening. In another project, I am working to incorporate theory and evidence-based intervention mapping to develop health educational materials addressing the importance of multiple cancer screenings for individuals born between 1946 and 1964.
What motivates you to continue to do research in cancer education?
Cancer has affected (or will affect) almost all of us in some way. I am motivated by my loved ones and my community, to help lift this burden for as many as possible. I was born for such a time as this.
Do you have any advice for individuals interested in pursuing a career in cancer education?
Yes-serve first. I believe that volunteer service is one of the best ways to learn more about your passion for a career in cancer education and to meet potential mentors! Then, seek advice from someone who is working in a field that interests you. Ask why they chose their field and where they see the field heading in the future. If the future of the field interests you, determine the educational plan that would place you in an ideal position to succeed.