Expertise

Human Information Behavior, Info Behavior in Crisis Contexts, Qualitative Research Methods

Education

PhD Information Science, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
MLS, Texas Woman's University
BA, Concord University

Biography

As an information scientist, my professional goals involve cultivating research in the area of human information behavior and decision-making within the context of personal crisis. In case you are not familiar with the term “human information behavior” – it is an umbrella concept encompassing the ways people seek information, perceive potential sources of information, engage with information, evaluate information, decide to trust information, dismiss or avoid information, as well as create and share information. My research examines various contexts of personal crisis, particularly situations in which shame and social stigma may impede effective information-seeking behavior and thus compromise informed decision-making behaviors.

I am also Program Manager at the non-profit, Senior PharmAssist (SPA) in Durham, NC. Currently we are pilot-testing expansion efforts across the state of North Carolina supporting community-based entities in adopting the SPA model to serve older adults. These include 4 services (medication therapy management, Medicare counseling, assistance in paying for medications, and community resource referrals) as well as 3 pillars (racial equity, motivational interviewing, and continuity of care).

As a NC potter, I co-own a wonderful clay studio in downtown Pittsboro where we offer classes in both wheel and hand building.