Research assistance
Through a grant from the National Institutes of Health, I am currently working with a researcher from the Scripps Gerontology Center to study racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes management. Although our study will include two doctoral students, it will be conducted over a two-year period through an undergraduate course. Using data collected from the Centers for Disease Control, we'll teach student research teams how to develop hypotheses, do data analysis to test the hypotheses, and then write the research. Because diabetes is a major health problem today, the federal government has spent a lot of money studying the daily habits of diabetics and the behavior modification required to get the disease under control. However, those affected have generally failed to comply with diet recommendations, and more and more people are getting the disease at younger and younger ages. We hope that our findings can be used to better educate groups at risk and influence change in their lifestyle.

Life support
I am currently performing evaluations of two programs designed to improve quality of life for people in various stages of dementia. "Memories-in-the-Making," a national program sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, provides a safe and structured environment for creating art. This weekly thematic program is led by an artist specially trained to work with people in the early to middle stages of dementia. In "Get Out of the House," a volunteer program sponsored by the Central Ohio chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, men with early-onset dementia do volunteer work at the Columbus Zoo, after which they are treated to a behind-the-scenes tour. This outing provides opportunities to socialize, do meaningful work, and make important contributions to society.

For all practical purposes
I find it especially satisfying when I hear that something the students and I talked about in class later became the topic of casual conversation among their friends. This reminds me that students are recognizing the relevance and practicality of what I'm teaching and integrating it into their lives outside the classroom.

Inspiration
When I was a junior in college, I took a social psychology course taught by a professor with a background in the research of people with physical disabilities. From her I learned that a person's physical environment plays a very important role in her/his social environment, and that the lower the level of personal competence, the more important the environment becomes in shaping behavior. When I came to recognize the challenge in creating an optimal environment for people with disabilities, I knew that I wanted to be involved in this kind of work.

Knowledge is power
The best part about teaching is having students who take what we do in the classroom and use it responsibly to better the quality of life in nearby communities and beyond. I love hearing from graduates who go on to do great things for others. Many who go on to graduate school or law school feel more prepared than their classmates because of what they learned at Miami.

Seeing is believing
Most people would be surprised to know that I am a collector. My most prized collections include salt and pepper shakers in the shape of food and dishes from the 1940s and 50s.

One on one
Although I try to make my classes challenging, I think my best mentoring occurs outside the classroom in one-on-one settings. Early in the semester, I try to make it clear to my students that although I will expect a lot from them, I will make myself available to help. I know that school takes time and effort, but for those motivated to do the work, there is good return on their investment.