My early research focused on adherence to antiretroviral therapy, both locally, in New York City, and internationally, in Durban, South Africa. I later translated my knowledge in this field toward the design of a HRSA-funded treatment adherence program for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Bronx, a program I led from 2004 to 2011.

 

My current research focuses on complications of HIV and antiretroviral therapy.  I serve as a co-investigator on the NIH-funded study “Osteoporosis in HIV+ Postmenopausal women,” which has demonstrated lower bone mineral density and higher rates of bone loss in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative post-menopausal women. Ongoing investigations seek to determine the effects of vitamin D repletion on bone, immune function, and muscle strength in this population.

 

Finally, I have also gained clinical trials experience as a co-investigator in the NIH-funded AIDS Clinical Trials Group and INSIGHT networks, and through my tenure as Chair of the Institutional Review Board at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center from 2007 to 2011. As site principal investigator for the Morningside Clinic Clinical Research Site, part of Mount Sinai’s Clinical and Translational Research Center, I plan to continue and expand my clinical trials work.