A statement about my-[science]-self: I have a curiosity driven by the need to explore; doing my best to improve upon methods and techniques to devise a better way to catch that roadrunner.

Thoughts on experience: High School - An introduction to the lab, samples, and 96-wells. As a junior, I volunteered my school breaks and weekends to assist a biology graduate collecting and analyzing water/soil samples from rivers in Arizona. I was one of the few high school students among undergraduates to present our findings at the annual Arizona State University poster day. I was hooked. Undergraduate (B.S.) - An undergrad is only an undergrad by name in the lab of Cheryl Conrad at Arizona State University (ASU) where I received a degree in Psychology. These early experiences sharpened my lab work ethic and expectations as a future academic. Graduate (Ph.D.) - Good work with those that work good with you. Mentored by Victoria Luine, we worked with Michael Lewis and others at Hunter College of CUNY (HC) on my dissertation. Collaborations were an integral part of my graduate career, and almost every lab at HC contributed to my development as a scientist, for which I am grateful. Postdoc #1 – Envy has no place in productive endeavors. At my first postdoc in the Behavioral Neuroscience department at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), I was exposed to a new level of research and opportunities. Working with Andrey Ryabinin I learned the value of independent research and perseverance during difficult times. Postdoc #2 - Further research is needed… I joined the BIMN lab in 2015. Thus far, the radioactive signal may show me the way.

I grew up in Virginia where I also earned my bachelor’s in Psychology from James Madison University (2011). However, my first research experience was as a summer internship after my sophomore year on developmental neuroscience at the University of South Carolina. Once back at JMU, I ran several health psychology experiments and volunteered at Western State Hospital. Nevertheless, I realized I was interested in understanding the mechanisms behind behavior and enrolled in a master’s in experimental psychology at Seton Hall University (2013). There, I studied the effect of immune system activity on ethanol consumption. I then joined René Hen’s lab at Columbia University as a research technician. I focused on the pharmacological and biological mechanisms behind several antidepressants. In 2015, I moved across the country to Seattle, Washington where I earned my PhD from the University of Washington in Neuroscience (2020). Mentored under John F. Neumaier, I investigated gene expression changes in the lateral habenula after stress or chemogenetic activation. The east coast called me back, and I moved to Baltimore to join the BIMN lab. Outside of the lab, I enjoy crochet and rooting for the oft-losing Chicago Cubs.

I was born and raised in Federal Way, Washington, a short drive from Seattle. For my undergraduate degree I attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, basically the furthest northwest corner of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. While at WWU, I developed an interest in Psychology. After nearly finishing my degree, I discovered a passion for Behavioral Neuroscience and spent an extra year at university to double major. During this 5th year I joined Dr. Josh Kaplan's Pharmacology of Cannabinoids research lab, where I studied the acute anxiolytic effects of commercial CBD vape products in a mouse model. Throughout my undergraduate degree I found myself in several mentoring positions, both as a Teaching Assistant for multiple classes and an officer in the Neuroscience Research Driven Students Club (NeRDS).

Outside of academia, I spend my time honing my photography skills and making fancy coffee like a true Seattleite. I love cats, astronomy, and I consume an abysmal amount of cheese.

I grew up in Frederick, Maryland and moved to Baltimore to attend the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and I am currently in my third year. Beginning in high school, I pursued my passion for research and medicine. I interned in the NGHRI of the NIH and shadowed in the Clinical Center. During the Summer after my freshman year, I interned in the Chemical Engineering Department of the University of Virginia, where I understood the impact computers can have on molecular design and peptide synthesis. Throughout this time I am also involved in my sustained research lab on campus studying behavioral neuroscience in drosophila melanogaster under the guidance of Dr. Fernando Vonhoff. Since the fall of 2021, I have been an undergraduate intern in Dr. Michaelides' lab. At UMBC, I am majoring in biological sciences and minoring in computer science and vocal performance. I am interested in behavioral neuroscience and the interdisciplinary studies conducted through biology and computer science. After college I aspire toward a career as a physician scientist. Outside academics I enjoy music, art, and playing with my dog.