Current research
Many people choose careers in which they are required to speak during a moderate to high level of physical exertion—for example, drill sergeants, dance instructors and emergency medical professionals all need to communicate while in motion. In collaboration with Dr. Susan Baker in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, I am studying speech patterns while people perform physical work at a pre-set intensity—65 percent of their peak capacity. This level is designed to relate to the intensity at which professionals work when teaching or preparing for an actual (emergency) event. By monitoring the physical workload of subjects riding a bicycle along with respiratory rates, gas volumes, and other markers of lung function, we hope to discover how the quality of speech is compromised by physical exertion and determine whether or not there is a threshold of physical work above which speaking could cause physical damage to areas near the voicebox. The ultimate goal is the employment of interventions and safety guidelines that can maximize the ability of these professionals to verbally communicate while at the same time, perform necessary physical work.

Co-authorship
I work with students inside and outside the classroom, through every phase of research, and I supervise them in clinical settings. I am very proud of the fact that I've had students co-author over 20 research papers with me. Many have presented research at regional and national conferences and some have even won awards (best undergraduate research award and best graduate student research award from the American College of Sports Medicine in 2005 and 2006). My students go on to great careers in medicine, pharmacology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Deep impact
Every semester I ask my students in PHS 188, "How many of you do monthly self-exams?" Even though there are always nearly 70 students in the class, it is rare that anyone raises a hand; if someone does, he/she is usually a non-traditional student. During one recent semester, a young student approached me to say that because of my admonition, she began performing self-exams that resulted in her early detection of cancer. She was able to seek treatment and enjoyed a full recovery. It felt good to know that I could make a difference.

Lasting influence
I come from good genes; both of my grandmothers have lived long, full lives. My interest in health originated from my curiosity about how they survived and thrived for so many years.

The best part about teaching at Miami
I enjoy working among colleagues that share a real interest in learning and teaching.

Sail away
Few people are aware that I am a "boat-person"! Now that I've purchased a boat, I spend every free moment I can with my family and friends water skiing, tubing, and boarding out on Brookville Lake.