HOW DID YOU GET  HERE? 

Like many college students, I started out wanting to be a physician. As I explored coursework, however, I became more interested in health and healing practices rather than in being a practitioner. This led me to a major in medical anthropology and eventually to a master’s and doctorate in medical anthropology. Along the way I took courses offered in medical, veterinary and dental programs; a nursing school; a rehabilitation therapy program; and numerous public health courses. As part of my research I also spent time with surgeons, genetic counselors, audiologists and speech pathologists while I studied various medical approaches to deafness and Deaf Culture.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? 

Meeting students early in their years at Purdue and being able to work with them through the years as they reach their goals of attending a professional program.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL JOB YOU EVER HAD? 

Teaching a course in human sexuality while in graduate school.

FUN FACTS: 

Having explored some far flung parts of the world, I can curse in 7 languages. I can tell you what side of the body a piece of bone comes from often while not even seeing it (osteology classes often have a black box portion of an exam where you can feel the bone, but can’t see it). I can even entertain you with information about cats and dogs in forensic situations, which I am sure makes me a delightful dinner guest.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY: 

"We know that silence equals consent when atrocities are committed against innocent men, women and children. We know that indifference equals complicity when bigotry, hatred and intolerance are allowed to take root. And we know that education and hope are the most effective ways to combat ignorance and despair." -- Gabrielle (Gabby) Giffords, April 9, 2010

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: 

Be open to new experiences. Keep your options open. You may not end up where you thought you would, but it often makes for a far more interesting life.