Studying the roles of dietary carotenoids in health across age groups, and the use of carotenoids as biomarkers of dietary intake.

Researched the absorption, metabolism, and biodistribution of anti-cancer, dietary carotenoids in pre-clinical models and humans using labeled tracers under the mentorship of Steven Clinton, MD, PhD.

Supported by the Pelotonia postdoctoral fellowship program. Researched the absorption, metabolism, and biodistribution of anti-cancer, dietary carotenoids in animal models and humans using labeled tracers under the mentorship of Steven Clinton, MD, PhD and John Erdman, PhD.

Participated in monthly planning sessions for NSC activities at the annual American Society for Nutrition Meeting. Planned and co-chaired a symposium.

• Developed tomato cell suspension culture systems for production of isotopically biolabeled carotenoids.• Participated in writing funded NIH R21 grant titled, "Novel 13 -C Tomato Carotenoids for Absorption and Metabolism Studies in Humans "• Researched tomato carotenoid absorption kinetics and metabolism in the Mongolian gerbil.• Mentored junior graduate students and managed undergraduate research assistants.

• Established red clover callus and cell suspension cultures for isoflavone production.• Wrote undergraduate research thesis.• Participated in plant in vitro technology and microphysiology lab maintenance and research.