Hometown: Fredonia, WI
Year I became a Gator: 2018
Position: Postdoc
Research focus: My research focuses on improving diagnostic and therapeutic methods for airway defense deficits in individuals with neurological disease and injury. Under the mentorship of Drs. Gordon Mitchell and Emily Fox, I am excited to investigate the effects of therapeutic acute intermittent hypoxia on cough function in persons with spinal cord injury.
Career goals: As a clinically trained speech-language pathologist, my priority has always been to improve patients’ airway defense (i.e., swallow, cough). Enhancing one’s capacity to maintain clear airways has the potential to improve quality of life and independence, as well as overall health for participation in a long and fulfilling life. Such interventions are greatly needed, so in my work I aim to be a competitive and independent investigator that advances therapeutic strategies to improve airway defense. To do this, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of dysfunction that contribute to impaired cough sensitivity and cough motor output. Knowledge of these mechanisms will lead to treatments that target those dysfunctions.
What I do for fun: I enjoy exploring all of Florida’s springs and State parks with my family, and we LOVE the beach. We lived in South Florida for many years, so we take any chance we can to escape to a beach!