Board of Directors Candidate
Video
Current Position:
- Library of Engineering and Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 2015 – present.
Previous Positions (Last 10 Years):
- Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library, Howard University, Washington, DC, 2011-2015.
MLA Official Activities (Last 10 Years)
National:
- Medical Library Association, Member 2009 – present;
- Bylaws Committee: Member 2021-present;
- Eliot Prize Jury Chair 2021-2022; Member 2020-2022
Caucus:
- N/A
Chapter:
- Midwest Chapter: Member 2023 – present; Indiana State Liaison Representative to MLA 2023 – 2024.
Professional Activities (Last 10 Years)
Professional Activities
- International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Health and Biosciences Libraries (HBS) Section: Standing Committee Member 2019 – 2023 and 2023 – 2027; Secretary 2023 – 2025; Chair 2021 – 2023; Information Coordinator 2019 – 2021; Corresponding Member 2017 – 2019; Observer 2016 – 2017
- American Library Association (ALA)/Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Health Sciences Interest Group Nursing Information Literacy Framework Working Group: Co-Chair 2018 – present
- Association of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) Accreditation: Senior Member 2020 – 2025
- Fulbright Noir Board: Outreach and Communications Coordinator 2023 – 2025
- Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) Indiana Stakeholder Advisory Group: Member 2023 – 2024
- International Journal of Information, Diversity, and Inclusion: Managing Editor 2021 – 2023
- World Health Organization (WHO) Infodemic Management Training Program: Participant 2020, Coach 2022
- ALA/ACRL Choice Editorial Board: Member 2017-2019 and 2019-2021
- ALA/ACRL Immersion Teacher Track Program: Participant 2016
- Design for Learning (D4L): 21st Century Online Teaching and Learning Skills for Library Workers Program: Participant 2015 – 2017
Professional Honors:
- Purdue University Honors College Tech Justice Lab Faculty Mentor Award 2024-2025;
- Purdue University Office of the Provost Insights Faculty Forum 2024-2025;
- MLA Estelle Brodman Award for Academic Health Sciences Librarian of the Year 2024;
- French Cultural Residence Program 2024;
- Fulbright Sweden Commission Inter-Country Travel Award for U.S. Fulbrighters in Europe 2023-2024;
- Fulbright U.S. Scholar/Fulbright Finland Foundation Seeking Solutions for Global Challenges Award 2023-2024;
- Purdue University Libraries Annual Award for Excellence in Teaching 2023;
- Association of Research Libraries Leadership and Career Development Program 2022-2023;
- Purdue University Office of Engagement Scholarship of Engagement Fellow 2022-2023;
- Purdue University Libraries Joanne J. Troutner Innovative Educators Award 2022;
- Purdue University Office of Engagement Service-Learning Fellow 2022;
- MLA T. Mark Hodges International Service Award 2021;
- MLA Ida and George Eliot Prize(2021;
- John H. Moriarty Award for Excellence in Library Service to Purdue University Faculty and Students 2021;
- Purdue University Teaching Academy Award for Exceptional Teaching and Instruction Support 2021;
- National Institutes of Health/Network of the National Libraries of Medicine Professional Development Award 2019;
- Design for Learning Program Travel Scholarship 2017;
- Purdue University Libraries Innovation Award 2017;
- American Library Association: IFLA-IMLS Fellow 2016;
- University System of Maryland/University of Baltimore Bridge to Belize Scholar 2016.
Candidate Questions from the Nominating Committee (500 word limit combined)
Tell us a bit about your skills, qualifications, and why you are interested in serving on the MLA Board.
I am honored to be nominated for the MLA Board of Directors. As a health sciences librarian, educator, and researcher, my career has been dedicated to advancing librarianship and ensuring equitable access to trustworthy health information. With nearly 15 years of experience, I have led interdisciplinary collaborations, secured major research funding, and contributed to global initiatives that position medical librarianship as a vital force in public health.
My leadership within MLA includes serving on the Bylaws and Awards Committees, chairing the Eliot Prize Jury, and acting as an Indiana State Liaison. I am a Senior Member of AHIP and have received numerous honors, including the Estelle Brodman Award for Academic Health Sciences Librarian of the Year, the T. Mark Hodges International Service Award, and the Ida and George Eliot Prize. These reflect my commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and international collaboration.
Beyond MLA, I have played a leadership role in global health information policy, serving in various Officer positions in the IFLA Health and Biosciences Libraries Section since 2019. My work with the WHO Infodemic Management Training Program and as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar to Finland has reinforced my belief that librarians are central to strengthening information ecosystems.
What do you think the board of directors should focus on in the coming year?
If elected, I would advocate for expanding MLA’s role in information diplomacy and advocacy:
Advancing Information Diplomacy in Health Sciences Librarianship:
- Expanding international partnerships to engage MLA members in global health literacy efforts.
- Supporting librarian-led infodemic management training programs.
Strengthening MLA’s Advocacy Efforts:
- Developing advocacy training programs that equip members to champion evidence-based health information.
- Enhancing MLA’s capacity to support members in institutional policy discussions.
How do we show people the value of volunteering and participating in MLA?
MLA thrives because of its engaged membership. To showcase the value of involvement, we should:
- Offer professional development that ties MLA service to career advancement.
- Highlight member success stories demonstrating how MLA service fosters career growth.
- Expand micro-volunteering, mentorship circles, and virtual engagement opportunities.
What would you as a board member do to help build community within our association and create an environment where members feel a sense of belonging?
A strong professional association is built on connections and shared purpose. I would support:
- Expanded mentorship programs to foster cross-generational knowledge-sharing.
- Structured networking opportunities across career stages and specializations.
- Regional engagement strategies to strengthen participation.
What would you do to improve communications between MLA Leadership and MLA members?
Transparent communication ensures MLA remains responsive to members. I would advocate for:
- Interactive town halls and virtual forums for direct member engagement.
- Digital platforms where members can submit feedback and recommendations.
- Regular leadership updates on MLA initiatives and decisions.
MLA has the opportunity to define the future of health sciences librarianship—one where librarians are recognized as leaders in health information access, policy, and diplomacy. If elected, I would work to strengthen MLA’s impact and ensure our profession continues to thrive. I would be honored to serve and collaborate in advancing our field.