Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States
I was recruited to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2015 and accepted the great responsibility of developing a Neuropsychological and Quality of Life Program for the Division of Neuro-oncology at the National Cancer Institute-designated Massey Cancer Center (MCC). Throughout my tenure, I have steadily pursued a commitment to scholarly activity in psychology, conducting practice-changing cancer prevention and control research towards improving neuro-oncological patients' subjective and objective outcomes. In support of this, I established a thriving multidisciplinary research lab (LiveNOW; www.LiveNOW.lab.vcu.edu) in 2017; mentoring 11 psychology graduate and 6 medical students to date – most of which are pursuing careers in oncology. I have demonstrated a strong record of funding for my early investigator status, being awarded an impressive $1.7 million dollars across 7 separate mechanisms including 4 innovative pilot trials (American Cancer Society, NRG Oncology NCORP, Massey Innovation Pilot, and Department of Defense). In total, I have authored 40+ peer-reviewed manuscripts, 9 invited book chapters, and produced 100+ abstracts at local, national, and international conferences, mostly focused on understanding and improving the quality of life of patients challenged by neuro-oncological diseases. In 2019, I was recognized as a VCU Emerging Scholar. Last summer I was promoted to Associate Professor of Neurology with exceptional scores across categories of scholarship, teaching, and service.
Long term, I am committed to a career as an independent oncology investigator who conducts practice-changing cancer prevention and control research that will improve patient outcomes. More importantly, understanding and managing distress experienced by those with neurological cancers to enhance emotional wellbeing and extend quality survival in this psychologically underserved oncology population. It has been my privilege to care for those challenged by advanced cancer. I look forward to continuing my work and improving quality oncological care for decades ahead.
