- Campus:
- IU, IUPUI
Can you tell us a bit about your path? Were you always in tech?
I wouldn’t say I’m fully in tech, but my work connects technology, public health, and health informatics. I originally wanted to be a doctor, but I realized health is shaped by more than individual choices, it’s about environment and access. If a community doesn’t have sidewalks, it’s harder to stay active. If people work multiple part-time jobs, they might not have time or access to care.
That led me to public health, and now at IU’s Center for Health Policy, I support research on population health while pursuing a Ph.D. My mentor introduced me to health informatics and how decision-support tools in electronic records can improve patient care.
How did you first connect with IUWIT?
I think I first saw IUWIT mentioned in a newsletter. I’m not one of those people who’s naturally gifted at coding, but I wanted to understand technology better and be part of a community that supports women exploring tech. IUWIT’s resources and newsletters have been such a great reminder that you don’t need to fit the “Silicon Valley” stereotype to belong in tech. It’s comforting to know there’s a supportive network for women across IU’s campuses who are curious about technology and how it connects to their fields.
What professional development activity will/did you complete with the help of the IUWIT grant?
I learned about the grant through that same newsletter and decided to apply, even though I wasn’t sure if I was “technical enough.” The worst thing they could say was no! I ended up using the grant to attend the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) Annual Symposium last November. It’s a conference focused on medical and public health informatics, and it was my first time attending.
I presented a poster, received great feedback, and connected with professionals who offered mentorship. The experience gave me new confidence and introduced me to a welcoming community in the field .
What kind of projects are you most passionate about?
I’ve really enjoyed integrating applications into electronic health record systems. I helped develop interview questions, conduct interviews, and analyze the data to understand what makes those integrations successful. It’s exciting to see how research can directly improve healthcare technology.
What advice would you give to women interested in the intersection of health and technology?
Find mentors—plural. Don’t limit yourself to just one person. Look for a diverse group of mentors who bring different perspectives and experiences. You don’t have to take every piece of advice you receive but surrounding yourself with people who care about your growth as a person, not just as a student or employee, is invaluable. A mentor who reminds you that you’re human, who encourages balance while still challenging you, can make all the difference in your journey.