ABOUT ME
I am originally a native of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but I have lived in a few places over the past few years, including Indiana, Illinois, and Virginia. My present job is as an Associate Professor of Health at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. Prior to joining the faculty at BSU, I was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Exercise Science in the School of Public Health and Health Services at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
I also am an adjunct faculty member in the Physician Assistant Program and the Master of Public Health (Urban Health) Program in the Bouve College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. From 2002-2006, I served as a Clinical Assistant Professor, Program Director, and Clinical Education Coordinator for the Athletic Training Program in the Department of Kinesiology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
In December of 2007, I completed my PhD in health education from SIUC. My Master of Science degree was in athletic training and research methods from Indiana State University (2002) in Terre Haute, IN. My Bachelor of Science degree was earned in 2001 in physical education and athletic training from Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, MA. I also completed three years of undergraduate coursework at Boston University in the Sargeant College of Allied Health Sciences with emphases in athletic training and physical therapy. Presently, I am working on a second masters degree in public health focusing on urban health atNortheastern University in Boston, MA. I hope to graduate in 2014.
I presently live in Dedham, MA I am the proud uncle of three great kids, my niece Samantha Grace and my nephews Aidan James and Jack Thomas. I like to be active...I weight train 4-5 days per week and enjoy various forms of cardio. Hiking, traveling, and writing take up much of my leisure time.
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Male Health
I have been interested in studying male health since 2006 when I was asked to develop a course on the topic. In particular, my research interests lie in the field of social ecological models that affect male health outcomes. I am interested in how gender disparities are perpetuated in society through a process my colleague Dr. Michael Rovito and I dubbed "Normative Content". More recently, I have been advising on the topic for community outreach organizations and advocacy initiatives.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
2010 - 2014
The focus of my program was urban health and the social determinants of health.
Capstone Title:
Celiac Disease
In 2005, my colleagues and I published one of the first case studies concerning athletes and celiac disease in the Journal of Athletic Training. Prior to then, little was discussed concenring celiac disease as it was perceived to be a "rare" disorder. However, recent media attention and better diagnostic tools and advocacy has scientifically established celiac disease as a prevalent gastrointestinal system disorder in variable populations. Once thought to be a conditon affecting 1 in 2,000 people has now been revised to 1 in 100 people in the U.S. and even more common in other countries (i.e. Ireland, Sweden, Finland). My particular research interests lie in establishing prevalence estimates of celiac disease in athletic and physically active populations. Because of the unique dietary needs and demands of sports, understanding how athletes handle the disease (physically and psychologically) is important so as to establish standards and protocol when working with these groups.
Body Image & Body Image Drug Abuse
Orignally, my interests were in the area of androgenic-anabolic steroid (AAS) use/abuse that rapidly spread to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). However, investigating the "root" causes of these "body image" drugs brought me to investigate how body image moderates and mediates drug use. My particular area of interest is what affects adolescent male body image and places people at risk for body image drug use. This was an area of my doctoral dissertation that led to the development of a novel validated and reliable instrument (in adolescent males) to measure body image called the Adolescent Body Image Satisfaction Survey (ABISS). I continue to study this area as well as using psychomtrics to improve the ABISS for future research studies.
Professional Issues in Athletic Training
As an athletic trainer, I have seen the profession evolve and respond to the demands of a new society. Embracing these changes, I have an interest in how we as a profession can best meet the needs of the the public as well as ourselves through professionalism and evidence-based/best-practices.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL
2003 - 2007
My program focus was in public health education with particular emphasis on mixed methods and survey psychometrics.
Dissertation Title:
Master of Science (MS)
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN
2001 - 2002
My studies were focused on sports medicine (athletic training) and research methods.
Research Project Title:
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Bridgewater State College
(now Bridgewater State University)
Bridgewater, MA
1998 - 2001
I majored in physical education with a concentration in athletic training. Graduated magna cum laude.
Additional Coursework (no degree awarded)
Boston University
Boston, MA
1994 - 1997
I completed my liberal arts studies and majored and took coursework in athletic training. Completed 63 credits.
High School Diploma
Waltham Senior High School
Waltham, MA
1990 - 1994
Motivational Interviewing & Behavior Change
Being a health educator involves understanding and helping people to maintain and/or change health behaviors for the positive. I have been studying how to use motivational interviewing (MI) to foster positive behavior changes, particularly in the areas of professional practice and men's health programming.