Can you discuss your background and career journey?

My journey began during high school when I interned in the medical records department of a hospital in The Bahamas. This early exposure to healthcare operations sparked a deep curiosity about how data could drive better patient care and outcomes, a passion that has shaped my academic and professional path ever since.

At the Rochester Institute of Technology (Go Tigers!), I initially pursued Networking and Systems Administration for my undergraduate studies. However, I quickly realized my true interests lay in combining medicine and technology, which led me to pivot to Medical Informatics, one of the few bachelor’s-level programs in this field at the time. This decision allowed me to merge medical science with computer science, gaining hands-on experience in areas like medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and developing projects such as an Electronic Health Record.

After graduation, I expanded on this foundation through roles at Welch Allyn, testing medical devices, and Thomson Reuters, working on “big data” solutions to integrate diverse data sources. I later joined the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where I collaborated with various research groups and hospital divisions. While at CHOP, I pursued a Master’s in Public Health at Drexel University (Go Dragons!), which deepened my knowledge in biostatistics and epidemiology and enhanced my ability to bridge data with impactful research.

During my time at CHOP, I contributed to a wide array of research projects and transformative data networks such as PEDSnet, PCORnet, and the LEARN Network, further igniting my passion for data standardization. This led me to Helix, a genomics start-up, where I played a pivotal role in developing the Helix Research Network’s foundational data pipeline, integrating clinical and genomic data to advance personalized medicine.

Today, I serve as an Associate Director in the Observational Health Data Analytics (OHDA) group at Johnson & Johnson, focusing on delivering high-quality real-world data to enable impactful evidence generation. Reflecting on my journey—from interning in a medical records department to where I am today—I remain deeply committed to leveraging data and technology to transform healthcare and improve patient outcomes.

Data has been central throughout your career. How challenging and critical is data management to the success of observational health research?

If we’ve talked about data before, you’ve probably heard me admit that I’m a proud data nerd. Data is everywhere—generated by nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from how we use our smartphones to our online interactions, and most relevant to OHDSI, through our engagements with healthcare institutions. For observational health research, this wealth of data is both a treasure trove of opportunity and a significant challenge to manage effectively.

The reality is data is messy. It can range from highly unstructured formats to carefully standardized ones. But even when standardized, data can vary significantly between sources—what’s standardized in one system doesn’t always align with another. And while structured data provides consistency, it can sometimes lack the nuance that unstructured data allows. For example, think about filling out a form where your answer needs more context, but the format restricts you from adding it. Striking the right balance between standardization and nuance is critical but incredibly challenging.

Effective data management is absolutely central to the success of observational health research. Our evidence and insights are only as strong as the data we collect, store, and make available. There’s little value in collecting data if we can’t make it accessible, meaningful, and actionable. At the same time, we must be thoughtful in our approach—collecting data with intention and purpose rather than for the sake of collecting it.

As an expert on data, what is it about the OMOP CDM that enables data to be turned into reliable evidence?

My first exposure to the OMOP CDM was during my work with PEDSnet, a pediatric learning health system. In 2014, I had the privilege of leading the transformation of our local EHR data from Epic into the OMOP CDM (then version 4), and I’ve been an advocate ever since. Having seen its impact firsthand, I’m admittedly a bit biased.

What makes the OMOP CDM so powerful is its ability to harmonize data from diverse formats, sources, clinical settings, institutions, and geographies. It provides a standardized framework that transforms disparate data into a common structure, enabling researchers to leverage standardized queries, tools, and analytic methods. This uniformity not only enhances efficiency but also ensures scalability and reproducibility—two critical elements of high-quality research.

By using the OMOP CDM, we can go beyond just organizing data—we create an environment where data can be reliably compared, combined, and analyzed at scale. It empowers researchers to ask complex questions and generate actionable insights, all while reducing the friction that traditionally comes with using heterogeneous datasets. In many ways, it transforms the potential of observational health data into the tangible.

You’ve recently joined the team driving the development of the OHDSI Evidence Network. How can this initiative empower research, and what excites you about its potential in 2025?

The OHDSI Evidence Network is all about connecting people—those who need data with those who have it—to generate evidence at scale. It’s not just a network; it’s a community that enables secure, collaborative research across diverse data sources by breaking down barriers and creating opportunities to tackle big questions.

What excites me most about the network in 2025 is how it’s leveling the playing field. By democratizing access to data, it empowers researchers at all stages—whether you’re just starting out or deeply experienced—to generate meaningful real-world evidence.

If your data is already in the OMOP CDM and you haven’t joined the OHDSI Evidence Network yet, what’s holding you back? We’d love to see you at our weekly office hours every Friday at 9am EST or on Thursdays 10:30 EST at our monthly calls!

You have participated in a variety of multi-institutional research projects. An under-discussed but critical ability in this field is project management, so what advice would you give to those ready to lead significant initiatives?

Never underestimate the power of effective project management—it’s the foundation that allows multi-institutional research projects to succeed. While we often focus on the data we collect and the evidence we generate, the behind-the-scenes work that enables this is just as critical. One of the most vital aspects is safeguarding patient privacy, ensuring that all data is handled securely and in compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

My advice for those leading significant initiatives is to focus on fostering collaboration, stay organized, and try to ensure alignment across all stakeholders.

What are some of your hobbies, and what is one interesting thing that most community members might not know about you?

Outside of work, I love traveling and immersing myself in new cultures, spending time outdoors (paddleboarding, anyone?), gardening, and enjoying craft beer. If anyone’s attending the OHDSI European conference in Belgium this year, please have a Saison for me!

Something most community members might not know about me is that I enjoy collecting souvenirs from my travels. I always make sure to save some local currency and pick up a magnet to add to our growing collection of 40 and counting. It’s a fun way to preserve memories and reflect on the incredible places I’ve been.