What are you working on right now, and how has COVID-19 affected your research?
The PEACH Lab
is currently implementing three R01 grants from the National Institutes of Health. COVID-19 has been a big challenge, as our grants involve extensive fieldwork. While these circumstances are deeply unfortunate, it’s been exciting to see the creative methods our team has come up with to continue our work safely in this “new normal.” We are currently gearing up to transform our Food Pantry project to involve a contactless food delivery component. This will help our research participants, the majority of whom are older adults, access food in a safe way, while also ensuring our research project can continue to collect meaningful data.
What do you find rewarding about your work?
Hands down, the most rewarding part of my job is working with the incredible PEACH Lab team. I’m inspired every day by this group of smart and hard-working people, who continue to impress me seven months in. In particular, I enjoy troubleshooting project challenges with our research coordinators and assistants. I’m also deeply grateful for the leadership provided by Drs. Christina Roberto and Laura Gibson, who are so dedicated to the professional growth of our team members and producing innovative science.
