About Sharon

After graduating from Temple University, I worked as a physical therapist in a rehabilitation hospital treating patients with stroke and traumatic brain injuries. I missed teaching and came to appreciate that I wanted a deeper understanding of disease processes. This led me to a PhD program at Emory University and then postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University. At both institutions I worked with community groups and institutional officials to improve the lives of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

A commitment to community building is a theme throughout my career. I have over 30 years of experience developing programs at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and at the National Institutes of Health (NIH.) I directed a research group at both institutions and trained fellows who are successful in a variety of STEM careers. My work was supported by research and training grants from the NIH, NSF, and private funders. I lecture widely at universities and for professional societies about resilience, well-being, mentor-mentee relationships, career exploration, job search skills, leadership, diversity and inclusion, and other important topics. I understand the pressures scientists face and the issues endemic to our community. I want to spend the remainder of my working life supporting individuals and research communities to grow, learn, and change.

I live in the DC area with my wife, and our cat. Outside of work, I love cooking, spending time with family and friends, nature, my bike, the Boundary Waters, and travel.