SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

I am currently enrolled as a full- time student in the PhD program at the University of Utah, College of Nursing. As a nurse practitioner with a focus on oncology clinical trials, my experience spans more than two decades working with an urban undeserved population in the Bronx, NY. My dedication to these patients is evidenced by my participation in community outreach such as the coordination of community health fairs in the federal low- income housing projects and for more than 20 years, the annual Survivor’s Day luncheon for cancer survivors and their families from the surrounding neighborhoods. I am instrumental in the training of study coordinators and education of ancillary staff to ensure study procedures are maintained at a large multi-site academic center in the Bronx. I facilitate the dissemination of accurate and timely information concerning accrual and progress toward the goals of the project. I have participated in many aspects of clinical trials program including recruitment of study participants and education of study participants and families regarding the study regimen and I have supervised the implementation of several clinical trials including bio- behavioral studies. In addition , I have been involved in the development of a bio- behavioral study of the quality of life of patients undergoing radiation therapy. My overall goal is to improve the coordination of care and services provided to urban older African Americans with advanced cancer; specifically to contribute to the understanding of the effects of psychological distress on supportive care needs.