In 2000 I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology and began working in research at the Karmanos Cancer Center. My interest in oral health was sparked shortly thereafter while working as a dental assistant and it led me to pursue a career in dental hygiene. I completed my dental hygiene studies in 2004 at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. I began working in clinical private practice, then returned to U-M and in 2014 graduated with a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene degree. In addition to being an educator as a clinical assistant professor, I am involved in clinical research through the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research. I am deeply interested in clinical education and research and advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the advancement of our dental hygiene profession. I am a member of the Michigan Oral Health Coalition, the American Dental Hygienists' Association and the American Dental Education Association.