Research

Dr. Phillips’ long-term goal is to become an independent clinician scientist with expertise in using community-engaged research and mixed methods to develop behavioral interventions that focus on improving sleep health and other health equity outcomes in youth from disadvantaged populations.

Her research focus is inspired by the following:

• Experiences as a Black woman born and raised in the rural, Deep South

• Her role as a healthcare provider serving rural and underserved areas

• Her beliefs that healthier children lead to a healthier future generation

• The evidence on the relationships between childhood sleep and health disparities

Dr. Phillips completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Child Health Equity from the University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. While completing her PhD in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she was a predoctoral fellow in the UAB Nutrition and Obesity Research Center. Her dissertation focused on sleep, abdominal adiposity, and blood pressure in adolescents. Her postdoctoral work focused on sleep, school health, and socioecological factors.

Healthcare

Dr. Phillips is currently a nurse practitioner who has and still primarily serves rural and underserved communities and populations. She also has clinical experience as a registered a registered nurse in medical/surgical and gynecology/oncology services.

Advocacy

Dr. Phillips is a wellness advocate passionate about everyone, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds like herself, having equitable opportunities to improve their wellness. Through her blog The Soulful Sabbatical she encourages others to intentionally disconnect to reconnect with with their soul through reflection, release, and rest as a way to prioritize their wellness.

Service

Dr. Phillips is driven by service. She enjoys giving back to the youth and communities, especially those underserved and disadvantaged. Dr. Phillips is also passionate about ensuring that nursing students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are educated in an environment that centers and fosters family, community, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongingness. Dr. Phillips currently addresses these goals through participating on committees, mentorship, volunteering at community events, and presenting on various topics. She is also looking for opportunities to expand her service.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated

School of Nursing PhD Student DEI & Advisory Council - Founding & Past Chair

Gear Up Alabama - Black Belt Fridays Mentor

UAB Minority Health Research Center Young Professionals Board

Presentations: UAB Freshman Learning Course, Georgiana School Future Business Leaders of America, Birmingham City Schools Career Fair