Personal Statement
I have the knowledge and skills to successfully oversee the day-to-day operations of the Behavioral Measurement and Population Sciences (BMPS) Shared Resource through my experience conducting community-based research and managing BMPS from 2014 to 2018, and then serving as the Associate Director from 2018 to present day. As the Associate Director, I provide direct oversight of BMPS staff as well as providing project support as a Co-Investigator on studies across the cancer care continuum.
My experience conducting mixed-methods population based research studies in their entirety serves me in this role at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC). My varied background of community-based research (spanning many cultures and four states – Illinois, California, Alaska and New Mexico) is the result of my transition from basic laboratory based research in graduate school to my desire to work directly with communities. I have designed and led several mixed-methods research studies in pain management, women’s health, body composition and fatigue in breast cancer survivors and patients with Parkinson’s disease. I conducted this research with a variety of culturally and ethnically diverse groups, including Alaska Natives and Native Americans. My own research program is focused on improving nutrition care and intervention opportunities for cancer patients and survivors in the outpatient and community settings.
Finally, I also serve as the Principal Investigator for the Ventanilla de Salud (VDS) program. This program is a coordinated effort between the local Mexican Consulate and the UNMCCC. Since assuming this role in 2018, I have collaborated with additional key community organizations, while continuing to gain administrative experience. Based on my experience and expertise, I feel well prepared to lead BMPS to continue to grow and support cancer center members across each of the research programs at the UNMCCC.