- Department: Public Health
- University: University of South Florida
- Location: Tampa, Florida
Hello friends: I have always been a Christian and with all my heart believe in God and Jesus. Growing a little older and being far along in my career has allowed me to see the value of my faith as I have endured the harder parts of life-such as the losses of my parents and sister and other loved ones. Also while my career as a professor has been wonderfully rewarding, many times I have asked God for strength to carry on and to make sure I am reaching students with the message of resilience and hope. Life provides us many struggles and I am always curious how my colleagues who have no faith get through this world day by day. While there have been times when I certainly wondered why things occurred in my life, I realize there are some questions that will only be answered when I am in eternity, and for now I pray for wisdom, guidance, and strength to make a difference in this world. I am blessed beyond belief with a second marriage and two beautiful children who now are adults and thriving. I look forward to talking to all of you and being part of Meet the Prof.
Favorite Quote
My favorite quote is actually from my father who provided great words of wisdom in my life. He said for life: Put God First (Your Salvation), then Family, and then comes everything else!
Friends describe me
loyal, sense of humor, and I hope a confidant.
My hobbies
Playing the piano, swimming, and gardening!
Fantasy dinner guests
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Barbara Streisand, Billy Graham, President Lincoln, and Jesus
Best advice I ever received
Again, from my parents-Always strive to learn and highly value education and hard work.
My undergrad alma mater
West Virginia University
My worst subject in school
quantitative analytical chemistry
In college I drove
a Dodge Dart
If I weren't a professor, I would
Well-I would be playing the piano in various venues!
Favorite books
To Kill a Mockingbird has to lead the list
Favorite movies
Madam X, To Kill a Mockingbird, and all the old greats with Lana Turner!
Favorite city
San Diego, CA
Favorite coffee
Don't drink coffee but love Diet Dr. Pepper and Diet Iced Tea
Nobody knows I
(except maybe my mom) had an imaginary friend as a small child that sometimes I still give a nod to!
My latest accomplishment
I am a Distinguished University Health Professor and that was a wonderful honor along with being named a Fellow in the American Academy of Health Behavior.
Current Research
I research child and adolescent injury epidemiology and the development and evaluation of prevention programs. I specialize in unintentional injuries (those done without harmful intent) and trauma (such as motor vehicle injuries, drownings, etc.) and violence (now focused on suicides among Black youth).