Grant Research
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IMPACT
- FreeStyle Libre CGM – Abbott: Trial: IDE Study (2015): Informed regulatory approval and global rollout of this revolutionary sensor-based glucose monitoring system.
- Jardiance (Empagliflozin) – Eli Lilly: Trial: Adjunct Therapy Study (2013): Supported FDA approval and demonstrated cardiorenal protection in adults with Type 2 diabetes
- FiAsp Insulin – Novo Nordisk: Trial: Comparison to Novolog (2016): Accelerated insulin adoption for faster postprandial glucose control.
- Apidra (Insulin Glulisine) – Sanofi-Aventis: Trial: Non-Inferiority in Gestational Diabetes (2016): Demonstrated safe use of Apidra in pregnancy; contributed to FDA labeling.
- Proteus Ingestible Sensor – Proteus Digital Health: Trial: Discover Pilot (2014): First FDA-cleared smart pill system for medication adherence.
- CONCEPTT Trial – JDRF/NIDDK: Trial: CGM Use in Pregnant Women with T1D (2013–2018): Improved maternal and neonatal outcomes; adopted into NICE Guidelines.
- Zyomed Zycorder Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring: Trials: Multiple validation studies (2012–2014): Contributed to pioneering light-based glucose detection technologies.
- NIH: Artificial Pancreas iDCLT Trial: Trial: Efficacy and safety of a closed-loop system (t:slim X2 with control-IQ Technology) insulin pump in a large randomized controlled trial.
GRANTSMANSHIP & FUNDRAISING
- Taste of the Vine: Support leveraging the Benevon model and digital giving tools to boost attendance from 200 to 350+ supporters and exceed fundraising goals.
- Mil Familias – Eli Lilly: $1.25M: Ten-year initiative focused on diabetes prevention for Latino families (N = 1,000+ participants).
- Artificial Pancreas Human Factors Study – NIH: $635K: Supported design refinement and regulatory pathways for closed-loop insulin delivery systems.
- Diabetes in Motion – Sanofi: $275K: Combined Afrezza therapy with culturally informed physical activity programs in underserved populations.
- Communities Putting Prevention to Work – CDC: $20M: Scaled policy and environmental changes for chronic disease prevention across multiple counties.
- Community Transformation Grant – CDC: $8.5M/year: Led development of equitable health policies and multi-sector coalitions.
- Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) – DOL/EDA: $5.1M: Advanced regional workforce and economic transformation in the bioscience sector.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & MEMBERSHIPS
- Board Member, A Different Point of View
- Grant Making Committee, The Fund for Santa Barbara
- President, Advisory Committee, Olive Grove Charter School
- Grant Writer, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics
- Business Development Consultant, BCT Partners (Dept. of Labor)
- Process Improvement Consultant, Workforce Boards & One-Stop Centers
- Commissioner, District 2, Santa Barbara Behavioral Wellness Commission
- Former Board Member, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce
- Member, Black Leaders Roundtable
- Member, Rooted Santa Barbara County
- Board Member, A Different Point of View
- President, Advisory Committee, Olive Grove Charter School
- Member, American Council on Education (ACE)
- Member, American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
- Member, American Psychological Association (APA)
- Member, Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)
- Member, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB)
- Member, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- Member, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Member, Forbes Council