
ABOUT ME
As an Associate Professor, Assistant Dean, Co-Director of a medical student research program, and national speaker, I design learning environments that empower today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. I believe in the power of connection and continuous improvement and strive to bring these into all aspects of my work.
My work focuses on supporting both educators and Gen Z learners. I advise and speak nationally on educational innovation and generational learning, with a focus on developing strategies and workplace scaffolds for Gen Z and emerging generations.
My leadership philosophy emphasizes continuous improvement, inclusion, and empowering individuals and organizations to thrive through strategic and systems-based thinking and vulnerable leadership. I’m passionate about connecting generations, sparking curiosity, and building systems where everyone can flourish.
EDUCATION
1997 - 2001
The Lee Honors College of Western Michigan University
BS, Biomedical Sciences Major, Magna Cum Laude
Kalamazoo, Michigan
2001 - 2006
Wayne State University School of Medicine – Karmanos Cancer Institute
PhD, Cancer Biology
Detroit, Michigan
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
2019 - Present
Associate Professor of Cell Biology
(Assistant Professor 2012 - 2019)
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Rochester, Michigan
2015 - Present
Embark Student Research Program Co-Director
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Rochester, Michigan
2019 - 2023
Vice-Chair of the Department of Foundational Medical Studies
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Rochester, Michigan
2023 - Present
Assistant Dean for Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Rochester, Michigan
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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STEM Education Leadership
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Medical Education
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Cell & Molecular Biology
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Continuous Quality Improvement
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Program Development & Growth Strategy
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Faculty & Mentor Coaching
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Scientific Communication & Public Engagement
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Generational Learning (Gen Z, Gen Alpha)
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Leadership Development & Inclusion
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Innovation & Change Leadership
SELECTED STEM EDUCATION LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES
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Designed and scaled the Embark Research Program, integrating interdisciplinary research, scientific communication, and transferable skills training.
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National workshops and keynote presentations on STEM education innovation, generational learning, instructional design, and faculty development.
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Created innovative CQI processes using technology to analyze student feedback and improve educational programming.
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Faculty mentorship and development initiatives emphasizing science communication and leadership skill-building.
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Engaging diverse audiences, including educators, administrators, learners, and community members, in discussions on science education, leadership, and innovation.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
RESEARCH & SPEAKING TOPICS
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Leadership and flourishing in medical education, promoting inclusive, adaptive leadership models that create space for diverse voices—especially women—in academic and STEM leadership.
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Educational strategies to support Gen Z learners, including intergenerational teaching frameworks, interactive study skills workshops that disrupt ineffective habits, and systems that build confidence and community.
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Curriculum innovation for best practices in research design and scientific communication, with a focus on supporting students across experience levels in longitudinal research programs.
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Continuous quality improvement (CQI) and faculty development initiatives that integrate data, reflection, and equity to advance learner outcomes and institutional change.
GEN Z - EMPOWERING INTERGENERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS
Moving past “Kids These Days”: Leveraging Gen Z perspectives to unlock teaching, learning & working together
Generational research and national datasets · Reflective activities & case studies · Rich discussion · Literature based educational tools · Novel teaching and learning framework
Together with my colleague Dr. Stefanie Attardi, I co-lead “Empowering Intergenerational Training Environments,” a nationally recognized speaking program that helps educators better understand and engage today’s students.
We offer:
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Keynotes tailored for faculty retreats, leadership summits, or educational conferences
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Grand Rounds with health professions audiences on professionalism, teaching, and learning across generations
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Workshops that are customizable, interactive, reflective, and actionable
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Faculty, staff and administrator development for institutions ready to evolve