Chair of the Committee
The goal of my work has been to produce research that is useful to communities, policymakers, and health care providers as they work to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of health care for rural and under-served citizens. I have taught, published, and carried out activities in this area for more than a quarter of a century. Currently serving as the Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development for UA, Director of The University of Alabama Institute for Rural Health Research, and Chair of the Department of Community Medicine and Population Health, I have been fortunate to work with many community groups, Universities, local and state governments to accomplish research and assist in providing improved healthcare opportunities for citizens in underserved areas. Recently, I have had the opportunity to serve at the site principal investigator for UA for the Center for Clinical & Transitional Science Network based at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, through this partnership I am now serving as the site PI for the Southern Network All of Us Research Program. I believe my history of working with communities, academicians, and governmental entities has helped me develop the skills necessary for this role. My past experiences and partnerships have provided me the resources needed to successfully assist with the goals of this interdisciplinary center.
