I am an epidemiologist and assistant professor in the Division of Medical Oncology at The Ohio State University. As a member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James, I am interested in tobacco control, particularly research to reduce cancer risk for people who use tobacco products.

My current research program focuses on identifying key characteristics of tobacco products that drive their addiction potential. Because rates of tobacco-related cancers are particularly high in rural and Appalachian areas, much of my research is conducted within those populations.

I lead studies investigating the effects of differing nicotine characteristics on the appeal and addiction potential of nicotine products, like nicotine pouches and other forms of smokeless tobacco. I also lead a project that is testing whether nicotine pouches help people stop smoking as well as medicinal nicotine replacement therapy. Finally, I have collaborated on several studies evaluating the best ways to communicate the health risks of tobacco and alcohol to consumers.

My work has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including Addiction, Tobacco Control, Nicotine and Tobacco Research, and Preventive Medicine. Additionally, I have served as an associate editor for Preventing Chronic Disease, a member of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, and a member of the Women in Medicine and Science data sub-committee.