Her current project proposes a “human solution” that addresses the physical and human dimensions. She seeks to research and develop educational and training materials for students K-12 on the importance of interdependence of critical infrastructure and resilience.

Where are you from and what are you currently researching at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?

I’m from Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas. Our project seeks to research and develop educational and training materials for K through 12 on the interdependence of critical infrastructure and the need to enhance the resilience of that infrastructure.

Using the concepts of primary and secondary education, the team will research modes of delivery that would be best to communicate to elementary through high school students the importance of protecting our critical infrastructure from disruptions and the impact that such disruptions can have on the health and well-being of our people and on the strength and security of our nation..This approach will promote awareness and encourage students at all levels to learn what our critical infrastructures are, their importance, and how to become involved in building resilience and to reduce the impact of disruptions in their communities.

We propose a “human solution” that addresses the physical and human dimensions by producing effective educational materials for students and teachers in K-12.

What attracted you to apply for the Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions?

I applied because of the opportunity to do what I love and to work with my students. There is very limited opportunity for our students to conduct research outside of the university but this program allows my students to work with me over the summer to engage in use-inspired applied research. 

Describe how your experience has been thus far conducting research with CIRI at UIUC.

We are still getting used to the new environment but we’ve had a great supporting team working with us to get things situated. We have a great working space and office and have access to most of what we need to be successful.

How will or has this opportunity impacted your professional growth?

Working directly with my students on this research and with teams from other universities is helping me to learn more about collaborative work. I’m also learning about the research that others are doing and that is helping me to identify new avenues and approaches for my research.

What do you enjoy outside of your research (movies, TV shows, art, hobbies, etc.)?

I’m a football mom and I love watching football. I love to travel a lot and spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren.