Education
MPH, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 1989
MD, New York University School of Medicine, 1981
Overview
I am currently Director of the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, a large interdisciplinary research unit that bridges the Schools of Medicine and Public Health at Hopkins. The mission of the Welch Center is to conduct epidemiologic, clinical and translational research of the highest quality and to train the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers.
As for my own research, I have conducted clinical research with a particular focus on preventing and controlling elevated blood pressure, and its consequences, primarily cardiovascular and kidney diseases. I have four active lines of research: (1) controlled feeding studies, (2) behavioral intervention trials, that test novel strategies to accomplish lifestyle changes, often related to obesity, (3) cohort studies and trials related to chronic kidney disease and its consequences, and (4) global implementation initiatives to prevent and control hypertension. A notable feature of my research is the focus on conditions and diseases that disproportionately afflict minorities and on interventions that have the potential to substantially reduce racial disparities.
Over the course of my career, I have mentored numerous students, fellows and faculty (and continue to do so). In addition, I serve as PI of the 1) Renal Disease Epidemiology T32 training grant and 2) Associate Director of the Behavioral Research in Heart and Vascular Disease T32 at Hopkins. Training a diverse cadre of individuals is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my career. As a reflection of my commitment to education, I have received numerous teaching and mentoring awards.
Honors and Awards
2018 Distinguished Scientist, American Heart Association
2016-20 Most Influential Scientists (top 1% of highly cited papers), awarded by Clarivate (Web of Science)
2016 Marvin Moser Clinical Hypertension Award from the American Society of Hypertension
2016 Women Faculty Sponsorship Award, from the Task Force on Women’s Academic Careers in Medicine, JHUSOM
2015 Advising, Mentoring, and Teaching Recognition Award (AMTRA), nominated by JHSPH student body
2015 Elected Member, Association of American Physicians (AAP)
2015-20 Citations for Outstanding Teaching at JHSPH
2012 Elected Member, National Academy of Medicine (previously, Institute of Medicine, IOM)
2010 Director, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research
2010 Conner Award Lecturer, American Heart Association
2010 Member, 2010 USDA/HHS Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
2008 David M. Levine Excellence in Mentoring Award