What brought you to the UAB School of Public Health?

Coming to the UAB School of Public Health felt like coming home. I earned all of my degrees at UAB, so returning here allowed me to reconnect with a place that shaped my career. More importantly, it gave me the chance to use my experience in environmental science, education and public health to help students and communities. UAB’s strong commitment to community engagement, hands-on learning and real-world public health problems makes it the perfect place to continue work I care deeply about: protecting both ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

What is the broad focus of your research?

My research focuses on how our environment—especially our rivers, streams and wetlands—affects both ecosystem health and the health of the people living nearby. I study fish and other aquatic species to understand how pollution, climate change and land use impact water quality and biodiversity. I also work closely with local communities, especially in areas historically affected by industry, to connect environmental science with public health and education. A big part of my work involves getting students and community members involved in hands-on environmental research, so they can better understand their surroundings and become advocates for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Where did you receive your training and degrees?

As I mentioned previously, I received all of my academic degrees from UAB, earning a BS, MS, and PhD in Biology. My graduate research focused on aquatic physiology and the impacts of environmental stressors—such as diet, temperature and water quality—on the growth and survival of freshwater species, particularly crayfish and prawns. This foundational training in organismal biology and environmental interactions laid the groundwork for my broader interest in ecosystem health and its links to public health.

In addition to formal academic training, my professional career has been instrumental in shaping my skills and interests in research, leadership and outreach. Serving as Chair of the Biology Department at Miami Dade College as well as being a faculty member at multiple institutions, I gained experience in curriculum development, program management and interdisciplinary program building. I’ve also led or co-led numerous community-focused environmental education and outreach programs, including grant-funded projects on endangered species monitoring, STEM education and place-based environmental initiatives. These experiences have expanded my capabilities beyond the lab and classroom—enabling me to integrate scientific research with public engagement and institutional leadership.

What is the most exciting project you are currently working on?

Along with colleagues from several institutions, I’m working on a project called STEMMing the TIDE, which brings environmental science and public health lessons directly into schools in Africatown, Alabama—a community with a powerful history and ongoing environmental challenges. We help students explore how pollution, water quality and other environmental issues affect their neighborhoods, and we give them real tools to study and improve the places where they live. What’s even more exciting is that we’re now working to expand this program into Birmingham neighborhoods where similar environmental issues exist. By connecting students to local science and giving them a voice in community health, we’re helping to build the next generation of environmental leaders.

What is your favorite self-authored manuscript?

I'm one of those that strongly believe in the written word, and all of my publications have meaning and impacted my career. A recent manuscript currently under review, “STEMMing the Tide: Addressing Educational Inequities and Environmental Justice Through STEM Education in Africatown, Alabama,” stands out as a significant piece of my work. It integrates environmental science, public health and education within a community-based framework, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach. The manuscript highlights a place-based curriculum model designed to improve STEM engagement in historically underserved communities.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far in your career?

I’m most proud of my role as an educator and the opportunity I've had to contribute to student learning and development at every level—from elementary school through college. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to be involved in a wide range of projects that connect environmental science and public health to real-world education, including curriculum development, community outreach and field-based research. These efforts have allowed me to work with K–12 teachers, undergraduates and graduate students across different institutions and programs. Being part of initiatives that not only deliver scientific knowledge but also help students discover their interests and build career pathways has been the most meaningful and consistent part of my professional work.

What is the coolest training or program you've been a part of, or your favorite conference you've attended?

One of the most impactful research experiences I’ve had was participating in a nationally funded coastal sustainability project during my time teaching at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. I worked alongside researchers on breeding programs for important commercial species like red snapper, with a focus on sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management. This kind of applied research is not only scientifically valuable—it also has direct benefits for local communities by supporting coastal economies, improving food security, and promoting environmental stewardship. Sustainable fisheries contribute to both ecosystem health and public health by ensuring access to safe, reliable and locally sourced food resources, particularly in regions where fishing is a vital part of daily life.

What kind of research would you like to be doing that you haven’t yet had the opportunity to do?

I’d like to expand my research to focus on the intersection of climate change, aquatic pathogens and human health—particularly investigating how rising temperatures and altered water quality influence the distribution and virulence of bacteria like Vibrio and Aeromonas species. These organisms are common in aquatic environments but can pose increasing risks under changing climate conditions, especially in coastal and freshwater systems that support recreation, drinking water and fisheries. My prior work with environmental DNA (eDNA) has centered on species detection and biodiversity monitoring, and those same molecular tools are well-suited for tracking pathogenic bacteria in complex aquatic systems. Leveraging eDNA approaches would allow for non-invasive, scalable monitoring of microbial threats and help inform early-warning systems and public health responses, especially in underserved or high-risk communities.

If you had the funding to answer one research question, what would that question be?

Based on my previous answer, if fully funded I would investigate: How are climate-driven changes in temperature and water chemistry influencing the emergence and distribution of aquatic pathogens—and what are the implications for human health in vulnerable freshwater and coastal communities? This question integrates environmental monitoring, climate science, microbial ecology and public health. I would aim to develop predictive models that link pathogen dynamics to environmental change, with the goal of informing early public health interventions, water management practices and community-level education in areas disproportionately affected by pollution and climate variability.

If you weren’t in academia, what would your career be?

If I weren’t teaching or doing research at a university, I’d probably be out in the field working with an environmental agency or nonprofit—maybe doing water quality monitoring, fish and wildlife conservation or helping communities respond to environmental challenges. I’ve always enjoyed the hands-on side of science and using it to make a difference in real-world settings. Something that keeps me connected to the outdoors, solving problems and working with people would be a natural fit.