CCTS Staff Sessions

Q: What is your role at CCTS?

A: I am the Program Manager of the Pilot and Collaborative Studies and Senior Outreach Coordinator for the Academy of Community Reviewers (ACR).

Q: How do you think the CCTS is impacting medicine?

A:  One way the CCTS is impacting medicine is through dismantling the barriers that impede the swift and efficient translation of research ideas into effective interventions and improvements to population health. From promoting and supporting the recruitment of diverse study participants and engaging patients and community members at every step of the translational process to mastering the red tape of multicenter studies, the CCTS is improving the status quo of research design, development and implementation at the Ohio State University.

Q: What is one thing you want everyone to know about the CCTS?

A: All research conducted at The Ohio State University could benefit from utilizing our services. From our Recruitment and Retention program, Clinical Research Development program, to consulting and collaborating with community stakeholders through our community engagement programs—the CCTS offers services that can benefit the experienced PI and the early-career investigator.  

Q: What is your favorite thing about the CCTS?

A: I enjoy learning about what research is being conducted here at The Ohio State University. Invariably I learn something new every day, whether it is about a specific disease, population, or capability of advancing technology. I am also proud of the CCTS’s commitment and advocacy of patient and community engagement and DEIA in all its programs and services.

Q: What do you do in your pass-time?

A: I do yoga, cook, hike, bike, go to metro parks with my son and read—typically content related to health and wellness (e.g. Ayurveda, TCM, latest myofascial literature, nutrition, and eastern or indigenous philosophy) and, of course, children’s books. I also draw and paint in my free time. I enjoy watching nature and cooking documentaries/docu-series and Chinese or Japanese martial arts films and anime. I used to Tango, however right now it is difficult to have hobbies that do not involve my little one, so I will return to it when he is a bit older.

Q: What was your dream job when you were a kid?

A: As a child I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. My reasonings were simple: I wanted to play, learn, create things and explore the world carefree all day. Don’t we all? 

Q: What's your typical day like?

A: I typically wake up between 4:30-5:30am, do some light yoga, pranayama breathwork, and mediation. I go downstairs, put away the clean dishes, make something to drink (usually tea, celery juice, or carrot juice) and if I have time I work on whatever creative project has my fancy until 7am when my little one wakes up. Then the rest of the day…anything is up for grabs; work, cooking, errands, activities, maybe some exercise squeezed-in somewhere, until about 8pm when I get my son and I get ready for bed. We typically read, tell stories, and talk more about our day. #momlife

Q: If you could have a meal with 3 famous people (dead or alive), who would they be and why?

A: (1) Well, in 2011, I had the amazing experience of having tea with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo at DGL Nunnery in India. We discussed cultivating mindfulness, self-mastery and the roots of some of the mental/emotional aliments common in westerners. Undeniably, a once in a lifetime experience.  (2) I would love to meet Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary to discuss leading the progress of integrative medicine in the West—specifically ‘sound’ medicine and biofield research—as a woman. (3) Architect Michael Reynolds to discuss cultural shifts to sustainable home design as a means of social and environmental justice through the Earthship movement. 

Q: What is your proudest moment?

A: That is a tough one. I have many proud moments that stand out in my memory, from watching my son learn to ride a bike without training wheels; overcoming frustration when learning something difficult for him; or watching him grow in his autonomy and independence to the simple fact that I birthed him and have built a wonderful life for us. We as humans overcome challenges, work hard and create things all the time. All of it is significant to me. 

Q: Favorite band/song?

A: I cannot answer. As the daughter of a musician, I should be remiss if I didn’t say my dad was my favorite musician. While his Reggaedelic rhythms may be the nucleic acid sequence of my DNA, I love many genres of music (Jazz, LoFi HipHop, Bossa Nova, Rock, Blues, Folk, Alternative, World, J-Rock & J-Pop Tango). My connection to certain bands and songs evolves over time. I would say a common theme is that I love the sound of live instruments, untouched voices, positive or heartfelt messages, and poetic lyrics.  If you twist my arm, I can give you a top 12 list (because I could not narrow it to 10): João Gilberto, Juan d’Arienzo, Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Esperanza Spalding, Miles Davis, Natalia Lafourcade, Nujabes, Chronixx, Vanessa da Mata, Erykah Badu, SID,and Ikimono-gakari. Lastly, as a parent, you know I can’t leave out the Moana, SING (I & II) and Frozen (I & II) soundtracks!