I am an epidemiologist with a breadth of training and experience in health science spanning over two decades. My research focuses on risk and protective factors for diseases associated with aging, specifically neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and cardiovascular disease. I am interested in childhood obesity prevention and have developed school and community gardens with associated educational programs across Los Angeles County. In my role as a scientist with Kaiser Permanente, I study Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. I also teach at the graduate and undergraduate level. As a four-time Fulbright recipient, I have traveled to Mongolia, Iceland, Colombia and Kazakhstan to conduct research and teaching projects. I am a native Angeleno inspired by Wangari Maathai who founded the Green Belt movement in Kenya, and Alice Waters who created the Edible Schoolyard in Berkeley, California.