About Me
My passion
I've always had a passion for developing and testing therapies to support healthy brain function. Over the years, I've learned that while my head is in academics, my heart is with non-profits. I'm so grateful that I've found a way to combine my passions through community-based academic research.
My Career
2009 - 2018: laboratory neuroscientist
In 2009, I began a PhD examining drug treatments for Parkinson’s disease using rat models (that's me, second from the left, before my hair fell out!). Next, I did a post-doctoral fellowship examining the neural circuits involved in motivation with an eye towards using brain stimulation as a treatment for depression. I enjoyed this work, but wanted to do work that had a more tangible impact on healthcare.
2018 - 2023: Transition to Community-based research research
In 2018, I re-focused my career towards community-based research on the prevention and treatment of child trauma. I performed research with schools, non-profits and medical clinics to identify how frontline providers assess risk for child maltreatment. I also used implementation science methods to identify how we can use the latest evidence-based therapies in community settings.
2023 - Present: Non-profit research director
In 2023, I joined Hull Services to lead the development of a new program of research into childhood trauma. I strongly believe in involving clients and clinicians in research design and analysis because this maximizes the relevancy and sustainability of clinical research. I leverage my diverse research background to incorporate biological, psychological and sociological perspectives, creating a holistic approach to wellness.
When I'm not working, I value...
my community
my community
my community
My wife, Caitlin, and our daughter, Carly, volunteering at the Scenic Acres Community Association Stampede Breakfast
my family
my community
my community
Spending time with my daughter in my home town of Tacoma, Washington
the outdoors
my community
the outdoors
Cross-country skiing in my wife's home town on Manitoulin Island, Ontario