After completing her Masters of Health Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, Cierra served as a Sr. Research Program Coordinator, leading national and international efforts in child sexual abuse prevention. Transitioning to ECU's Brody School of Medicine in 2017, she established a centralized research program within the Department of Pediatrics and subsequently led efforts to integrate clinical research across the school and health system. Cierra's research has concentrated on underserved populations, rural health challenges, and social determinants of health. She is particularly enthusiastic about exploring implementation science and employing interdisciplinary approaches to improve health outcomes. Beyond academics, Cierra enjoys running, reading (both non-fiction and fiction), board games, and home improvement projects.