Aura is a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP-BC), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Assistant Professor in the Division of Bariatric Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2014, following seven years as a critical care registered nurse at UCLA and Kaiser Permanente.

Since joining OHSU in 2014, Aura has developed extensive expertise in bariatric surgery, foregut surgery, and medical weight management. After seven years providing both inpatient and outpatient surgical care, she transitioned her focus to comprehensive obesity medicine and long-term weight management. Her clinical approach emphasizes individualized, evidence-based treatment and recognizes obesity as a complex, chronic disease.

Beyond her clinical practice, Aura is passionate about advancing obesity care through clinical innovation, program development, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has contributed to the development and growth of OHSU's nationally accredited Medical Weight Management program. She is actively involved in national leadership and professional education through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), serving on national committees and presenting at national and international conferences, including those hosted by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO).

At the heart of her work is a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. She is particularly passionate about reducing weight bias, improving access to effective obesity treatments, and empowering patients with the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about their health and long-term well-being.

Outside of work, Aura enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, visiting museums, attending concerts, reading, and spending time with her husband, son and beloved dog.