She received her MD and PhD degrees at Duke University through participation in the Medical Scientist Training Program sponsored by the NIH and completed her training in the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program. She is a national expert in community engagement. Her research is focused on the design and implementation of programming to reduce sociocultural and economic barriers that contribute to disparate health outcomes for racial/ethnic minorities and underserved populations. Her goal is to empower the community with knowledge and encourage policymakers to invest in initiatives designed to eliminate inequities in the health care delivery system.