In this role, she facilitates the coordination and implementation of research studies conducted by UF investigators outside of Jacksonville and assists in building successful academic-community partnerships in efforts to conduct community based research. Dr. Stanford began her professional career in 2004, with the Baker County Health Department as the Health Educator for an outreach program designed to connect limited resource residents with health resources such as disease specific health education, primary care, mental health, and substance abuse services. During her tenure with the Health Department, she also lead the community through a county wide health needs assessment and health improvement initiative to raise awareness of identified health priorities.