Current Role
Associate Clinical Investigator, Bastyr University Research Institute
Education
- BS in Nutrition Science from Pennsylvania State University in 1997
- ND from Bastyr University in 2001
- Certificate in Clinical Trials from University of Washington in 2009
- PhD in Nutrition from the University of Washington in 2016
- MPH in Epidemiology from University of Washington
Research
Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson’s Disease
Private Foundation Funding
Jan 2015 - current
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Jan. 2010 to Jan. 2015
This phase I placebo-controlled safety study is intended to explore novel mechanisms of introducing glutathione, the brain’s primary antioxidant, to the central nervous system in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The goal of the funding program is to train a select group of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) clinicians to conduct quality, independent research.
Role: Principal investigator
CAM Care in Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Nov. 2011- Nov. 2015
This prospective observational cohort study is designed to describe CAM use among individuals with PD. The study will detail the therapies and doses prescribed, side effects associated with CAM use, and describe rate of disease progression (or lack thereof) among this population. Additional measures of quality of life will be assessed. This project is intended to provide preliminary data for subsequent randomized clinical trials that will eventually answer the question, "Can disease progression be modified with utilization of complementary and alternative therapies?"
Role: Principal investigator
CAM Care in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Oct. 2011- Oct. 2015
This prospective observational cohort study is designed to describe CAM use among individuals with MS. The study will detail the therapies and doses prescribed, side effects associated with CAM use, and describe rate of disease progression (or lack thereof) among this population. Additional measures of quality of life will be assessed. This project is intended to provide preliminary data for subsequent randomized clinical trials that will eventually answer the question, "Can disease progression be modified with utilization of complementary and alternative therapies?"
Role: Principal investigator
Survey of Cannabis Use
Oct. 2013 - Dec. 2014
This questionnaire is designed to probe the natural history of this phenomenon of a self-administered herb/drug. Data from this survey will be used to better define who Cannabis users are, their beliefs about Cannabis, their use patterns, side effects, and the therapeutic benefits they experience. The information you provide will help inform physicians, researchers, policy-makers, and patients about the potential risks and/or benefits of Cannabis as a therapeutic or recreational agent.
Safety Survey of Intranasal Glutathione
March 2011-Nov. 2011
This survey was designed to assess individuals' perception of tolerability, adverse events and health benefits associated with intranasally-administered glutathione. Using a pharmacy database, 300 individuals were randomly selected to receive a survey; Any individual who had received one or more prescriptions for (in)GSH between 3/2009 and 3/2011 was eligible for participation. Study complete, publication pending.
A Retrospective Chart Analysis of Intracellular Antioxidant Levels in Parkinson's Disease
Dec. 2008- Nov. 2011
This retrospective analysis was undertaken to ask the question, "Do individuals with PD have lower levels of antioxidants than controls when measured with the SpectraCell Functional Intracellular Assay?" Data analysis underway, publication pending.
A Randomized Trial of CAM Comfort Care at End of Life
Sept. 2003 to Aug. 2007
The long-term objective of this project is to improve the quality of patient dying and death by the appropriate use of CAM. Specific Aim 1 is to test a prospective randomized controlled trial of guided meditation and massage therapy that will complement allopathic comfort care for persons with advanced cancer and AIDS. Specific Aim 2 is to measure the effect of these CAM interventions via a questionnaire administered to a significant other, which has been specifically created to capture factors that may ultimately be as important in improving the quality of dying as pain and symptom management.
Role: Contracted physician
Echinacea for Preventing Colds in Children
Sept. 2006 to Aug. 2010
This study is designed to further delineate the potential efficacy of Echinacea in preventing upper respiratory infections in children. Bastyr University is the subcontractor to the University of Washington on this grant.
Role: Contracted physician
North American Naturopathic Medical Research Consortium
This study was designed to identify research priorities of the naturopathic profession for the next decade.
Aug. 2002 to May 2005
Role: Member, Neurogenerentology Implementation Committee
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