I received my bachelors degree in Neuroscience from the University of Delaware then worked at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine characterizing novel neurotherapetics to treat HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND).I then completed my PhD in Biochemistry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine characterizing enzymes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and identifying potential drug targets.During graduate school, my professional focus shifted from basic science towards the design of public health & harm reduction programs in order to reduce the spread of disease and prevent drug overdose deaths.I then became a Project Coordinator working for BOOM!Health, a syringe exchange in the South Bronx, coordinating a clinical trial designed to determine the accuracy of a 3-in-1 rapid test for HIV/HCV/HBV.I was then awarded a Ruth L. Kirschstien National Service Award (T32) Postdoctoral Fellowship from National Institutes of Health (NIH) through National Development & Research Institutes/Center for Drug Use & HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing in the Behavioral Science Training (BST) in Drug Abuse Research Program. During this time I conducted quantitative, qualitative and ethnographic research on opioid overdose prevention and disease transmission. I also received a CDUHR pilot grant, as the Principal Investigator, focused on the design and implementation of an opioid overdose and needle stick prevention program designed specifically for business managers and staff who encounter opioid overdoses in their business. This work has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and been presented at both national and international conferences (a list of presentations is available upon request).Additionally, I've taught at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and consulted for New York Academy of Medicine and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. I've also published Op-Eds advocating for the expansion of harm reduction services.Upon re-locating to Toronto, I worked at Street Health's Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) supervising drug consumption and responding to overdoses. I then worked at VIRCAN to design and manage research studies focused on optimizing HCV and HBV screening and treatment strategies.I currently oversee harm reduction and health supports for people residing in Homes First's shelters, shelter-hotels, housing, and supportive housing sites across Toronto and provide harm reduction best practice guidance to Toronto Shelter & Support Services and Toronto Public Health.