My recent program of research has focused on symptom management, specifically sleep disturbance, fatigue and impaired cognition, and underlying mechanisms of these symptoms in persons with chronic illness (stroke, HIV, heart failure). In particular, I have examined the role of genetic variations in cytokine, circadian and metabolic genes on sleep. I have clinical background in neuro critical care. My research and clinical experience to date have fueled my desire to contribute to the improvement of health, function and quality of life in persons with stroke as well as their family members. For my doctoral dissertation, I studied perceived and physiological stress in caregivers of older adults with stroke, and I was awarded the 2013 Marion R. Gregory Award for a distinguished completed doctoral dissertation from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. I was also selected as a 2013 American Heart Association Martha N. Hill New Investigator Finalist. Currently, I am building a program of research on the role of inflammation and genetic variation in inflammation-associated genes on the development of symptoms in persons with stroke.