About

My research background spans a wide range of topics, including romantic relationships, parenthood, team communication, patient safety, corporate strategy and talent management. Although these areas seem unrelated, they share an underlying theme: their focus on interdependencies. In marriage, the workplace, and the healthcare system, individuals are deeply embedded in networks of relationships. Our social connections shape who we are and the decisions we make. Relationship networks and organizational structures have a profound impact on how people define themselves, how they behave and how they evolve over time.

As a researcher with Gartner, my work focuses on helping companies recruit and manage their talent to drive engagement, wellbeing and performance. I lead a team to develop insights and best practices to help HR executives address their most pressing challenges. Our recent work has focused on how recruiting strategies must shift to identify, source and attract the different-in-kind talent needed today. I also drive strategic product management of the HR research agenda. My previous work at Gartner has focused primarily on strategy, including work on digital business models and strategy execution in a complex and fast-changing world.

Organizational behavior captured my interest during my three years as Research Coordinator for the Division of Hospital Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. In this position, I had the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, including researchers in medicine, education, and organizational behavior. This interdisciplinary work focused on improving medical education and patient care. Through this position, I began to understand the importance of team processes in determining patient outcomes. This realization led me to pursue graduate studies in organizational science. At UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, I conducted research on team cognition, creativity and decision making.

I earned my B.A. from the University of Kansas and M.S. from Texas A&M University, both in psychology. At Texas A&M, I conducted research on romantic relationships, the transition to parenthood, and self-regulation, primarily through the lens of attachment theory. This research also led me to develop an interest in the interface of work and family life, particularly during important family transitions.

Growing up in Kansas City, I developed a deep love for barbecue and Jayhawk basketball. Throughout my high school years, I worked for a weekly newspaper. This experience taught me three important lessons: 1) Everyone has a story to tell. 2) When writing is clear and simple, more people hear the message. 3) Details matter.

I now live in northern Virginia with my family. When I am not doing research or teaching, you can find me walking my dog on a nearby trail or exploring the city.