I'm a scientist, researcher, educator, mom, and lifelong advocate for empowering women and people through evidence-based knowledge.

I currently serve as the Associate Chair for Research for the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory, and Co-Director of the Human Performance Center at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. My journey in the realm of exercise physiology and sports nutrition has been driven by a profound passion to enhance health and the quality of life for individuals across diverse backgrounds, with feasible and effective evidence-based approaches.

My academic journey began at Truman State University and led to the completion of my MS (2008) and PhD (2011) at the University of Oklahoma. Today, I'm proud to be actively engaged in cutting-edge research that centers around exercise and nutrition interventions to improve various aspects of body composition, cardiovascular health, and metabolic function. My work has a special focus on women's health, perimenopause, post-menopause, and overweight & obese populations.

In my pursuit of scientific excellence, I've been privileged to lead projects funded by the National Institutes of Health and International and National industry-sponsored clinical trials. My contributions to the scientific community include over 180 peer-reviewed manuscripts, scholastic books, book chapters, and numerous presentations at both international and national platforms.

I'm an active member of the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, American Diabetes Association, and the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Over the years, I've been honored with recognitions such as Nutrition Researcher of the Year (2014), Young Investigator of the Year (2015), and Outstanding Sports Scientist of the Year (2022) by the NSCA.

Beyond academia and research, my true passion lies in mentoring students and sharing practical applications of laboratory-based findings. I firmly believe in the power of knowledge to transform lives, and I'm committed to fostering the growth of the next generation of scientists.