Chemistry major

Recipient of the 2004 Odyssey Medal for Research

Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco

Highlight quote

"Doors open for smart, enthusiastic, focused, articulate individuals with a passion for improving the world."

Current projects

At my institution (the University of California San Francisco), I am a Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Epidemiology and Biostatistics. I teach the medical student core curriculum in evidence-based medicine, including making high-value clinical decisions. I teach physicians in training in the operating room and the labor and delivery suite. I also direct the cervical cancer screening clinic at a large urban hospital (San Francisco General Hospital).

Undergraduate Research

As an undergraduate I worked with Dr. Goodwin in his laboratory at Hendrix, learning the basic methods of scientific discovery. As an extension of these experiences, I pursued a year-long fellowship as a Thomas J. Watson Fellow. Part of this fellowship was working with Dr. Christophe Morin at his chemistry laboratory in Paris continuing a project in organic synthesis that I had begun with Dr. Goodwin. The project continued on to West Africa where I became involved in public health approaches to tropical disease containment and treatment policies.

How Hendrix prepared me for success

My Hendrix experience confirmed my resolve to become a physician and pursue answers to clinically important questions. Although the focus of my inquiries has changed to cancer control, the passion for discovery and determining best policies has remained.

Future plans

I am committed to determining ways for clinicians and patients to make good health care choices.

My advice

Doors open for smart, enthusiastic, focused, articulate individuals with a passion for improving the world.