1. What is your current role at CMRI?

I provide analytical support for research studies and projects conducted across the institution as a lead biostatistician in the Biostatistics and Epidemiology Core (BEC) within the Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research. My duties include collaborating with faculty and staff on research design, data collection, data management, and data analysis for research and quality improvement projects and assisting with the preparation of research grants, publications, abstracts, posters, presentations, and study protocols. I enjoy collaborating with young investigators and fellows who may not be familiar and/or have limited experience conducting research but are committed to learning more about research, doing quality work, and making a difference.

In this role, I have the opportunity to work in diverse research settings with talented physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals. Among these research collaborations, my work with Dr. Mark Clements and the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes has made a tremendous impact for me both personally and professionally.

In addition to the relationships I have formed over the years, I have been able to support important initiatives such as developing predictive models for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to identify those who are at risk of hospitalization for diabetic ketoacidosis or to have a clinically significant deterioration in glycemic control. My work with Dr. Clements and the Rising T1DE Alliance has led to establishing a T1D database that contains more than 20 years of longitudinal clinic data for children with T1D seen at our institution or an affiliated clinic and assessing other novel measures of variability such as the frequency of mealtime insulin dosing as a promising objective assessment in measuring adherence to treatment. These research initiatives helped to demonstrate that glycemic variability is independently associated with diabetic-related complications, which may be lifelong or even life-threatening, in children with T1D, highlighting the importance of maintaining stable glycemic control.

2. What drew you to a career in research at CMRI?

For as long as I recall, I have always had interest in and a passion for health care, working with and helping others. My parents were both PhD professors who were heavily involved in research. While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a research assistant on various pediatric human research studies. After earning my Master of Public Health (MPH) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and returning to the Kansas City area, I was fortunate that Children’s Mercy was hiring for a biostatistician, which was my area of emphasis in the MPH program, and I began my career here in May 2010.

In addition to my parents, I have been blessed by the tutelage from several mentors, including Dr. Mark Clements, Dr. Brooke Fridley, the BEC (Dr. Brian Lee, Dr. Henry Yeh, Dr. Janelle Noel-MacDonnell, Dr. Emily Cramer, and Ashley Sherman), Dr. Susana Patton, Dr. Vince Staggs, Dr. Steve DeLurgio, and Dr. Marie Diener-West. Having the opportunity to gain experience from and work with such a knowledgeable and caring group has been extremely rewarding.

3. What are your research/career goals?

One of my research goals is to develop additional predictive models that can be used by clinicians to identify children at risk of having an adverse health outcome for which to proactively intervene to optimize their care. I also want to continue to build my portfolio of grant-funded research projects and publications as well as expand my breadth of statistical knowledge, data processing, and software aptitude.

4. What is your favorite thing about working at CMRI?

I enjoy the people, the challenge of learning new skills, and being able to witness findings generated from my analyses that lead to an immediate impact in clinical practice and improved health outcomes. Working with the different investigators via the CMRI has taught me that a multidisciplinary approach is often needed to effectively care for individuals. Including allied health professionals and engaged family members enriches individuals' health care experience and may provide novel opportunities to care for others and make a lasting impact. I like collaborating with others and working as a team. It is within the team unit and through trusting each other that meaningful relationships and outcomes occur.

Overall, I enjoy being a part of and working at an institution comprised of committed professionals who use their skills and expertise to help improve the care of children and those most vulnerable.

5. What is on your bucket list?

My brother, sister, and I were born in Quezon City, Philippines and moved to the United States when I was three years old. I have not been back since but would love to visit. I would also like to participate in an international serve trip with my family and to resume travelling abroad as I did in my younger years, visiting each continent and the Holy Land.