I am a native of the Midwest, born and raised in Kansas City, MO. I have bachelor degrees in Biology & Chemistry, and completed my Master's in Neuroscience. As a PhD student, I studied the genetic regulation of cranial neural crest cells and craniofacial development in mouse and chick models. Fortunately, other lab members were studying the embryology of multiple other body systems, which led to my extensive training as a neuro-embryologist.

As a medical educator, I am a Professor of Anatomy with 15+ years experience in teaching Embryology, Neuroanatomy, and Histology. I firmly believe in engaging with and reaching the students where they are, as well as supporting the inclusivity of all students in and out of the classroom. I have also been involved with Gross Anatomy and student-led dissection and received specialized dissection training as a Scholar in the Anatomy Training Program, a joint-program offered by the American Association for Anatomy (US) and the Anatomical Society (UK). I have served as a course director for a range of courses, as well as serving as a member of key University committees, including Curriculum Committee, Admissions Committee, and Rank and Promotion Committee.

I am keenly interested in curriculum development and student outcomes, and am fortunate to pursue both of these domains as Associate Dean for Preclinical Education at KHSU. In this role, I am involved with the strategic planning of curricular content, as well as the evaluation, analysis, and enhancement of educational processes at Kansas COM. I am very data driven, and have a range of Med Ed publications emphasizing curriculum development, assessment outcomes, and integrative teaching approaches.