Throughout my nearly two-decade career in the academic and research environment, I have been successful in receiving grants from governmental agencies, private corporations and philanthropic entities totaling nearly $1.5 million. These funds have furthered my research interests in public health informatics, health technologies, virtual reality and communication disabilities. My entrepreneurial spirit has led to my involvement in launching two start-up businesses that generated technology solutions for businesses and for people with disabilities. As an immigrant from Italy I have a unique perspective and have successfully navigated opportunities offered by the United States of America.