Why did you choose graduate school at IU Indianapolis?
I appreciate the program’s connections to nearby academic healthcare and the multidisciplinary focus.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
I recently presented a poster at the American Academy of Hospice & Palliative Medicine’s (AAHPM) State of the Science meeting in Phoenix, AZ, in March 2024. It was an honor to represent IUPUI/IU Indianapolis at that professional meeting. I am one of several PhD students who are spiritual care practitioners (healthcare chaplains) who had the opportunity to present our work at State of the Science. We advocate for holistic healthcare that attends to mind, body, and spirit.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
I like the opportunities to enjoy the performing arts and live music, especially during the summer months. Because of the proximity to IU Jacobs School of Music and the rich legacy of musicianship in Indianapolis, there is live music from many different genres. I especially look forward to Indy Jazz Fest in the fall.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
Much of my research focuses on psychosocial aspects of healthcare, particularly as it relates to spiritual and existential concerns expressed by patients and caregivers as they navigate illness. I previously completed two master’s degrees: one in public health, and one in spiritual leadership. I incorporate concepts from public health and spirituality into my research as a doctoral student. For instance, my advisor studies goals of care conversations with acute stroke patients. I brought in my focus on spiritual and existential concerns to ask how they are being addressed as part of goals of care. In Indiana, we know from Pew research data that many people have a personal spiritual identity that is meaningful to them and that impacts their healthcare decisions. I believe having integrative conversations that invite people to bring their whole selves to their healthcare decisions will lead to improved wellbeing.