With a foundational background in behavior modeling and eyewitness identification, my research bridges psychological modeling techniques and public health. Initially trained in developing mathematical models for eyewitness identification decisions, I transitioned to oral health research to address pressing gaps in understanding and diagnosing periodontitis. My work focuses on applying advanced modeling techniques to track disease progression at a granular, tooth-specific level. By leveraging predictive machine learning and spatial network models, I aim to improve the precision of periodontitis diagnostics and risk prediction, moving toward a more individualized approach to oral health.My experience in behavior modeling informs my approach to understanding complex disease patterns, particularly where patient behavior, health outcomes, and environmental factors intersect. This interdisciplinary perspective supports my goal of refining diagnostic tools within oral health and developing more representative population health models. My research is expanding to explore the links between periodontitis and broader systemic conditions, including its potential role in cognitive decline and other chronic diseases. By integrating insights from oral health, epidemiology, and machine learning, I aim to contribute to innovative, interdisciplinary solutions that improve long-term patient outcomes.In addition to my work in oral health, I have a separate research focus on Cultural Safety Education. I collaborate with Aboriginal researchers to evaluate and refine cultural safety programs within healthcare and dental education. This work aims to enhance the effectiveness of culturally responsive teaching and healthcare practices, ensuring that training programs are equitable, evidence-based, and meaningful to the communities they serve. My background as a program evaluator at KPMG Health and Human Services strengthens my ability to assess and improve these initiatives, applying rigorous evaluation methods to support better health and educational outcomes.Across all aspects of my research, I am committed to applying data-driven, innovative approaches to solve real-world health challenges, whether through advancing oral health diagnostics or enhancing cultural safety in healthcare education.