Education

B.S. Biology, Truman State University

Introduction and Research

From the beginning of my academic journey, I became fascinated by the brain. My great-grandmother had dementia, yet she progressed far better than many of the individuals I cared for as a certified nursing assistant in a nursing home during undergrad. Witnessing this contrast sparked my interest in brain activity and neurological health.

My undergraduate studies provided me with the foundation to think critically about science and how the body works, through courses such as cell biology and human physiology. I was introduced to research through the McNair Scholars Program, which supports underrepresented students in preparing for graduate education. It was through this program that I truly discovered my love for research. My undergraduate project focused on how pesticides, specifically malathion, affect C. elegans egg-laying behavior.

Now in graduate school, driven by a deep curiosity about the brain and the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases. My current work centers on understanding tau’s role in neurodevelopment. My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of novel, evidence-based treatments that improve patient outcomes and quality of life, with a particular focus on early-life brain injuries and the molecular pathways that regulate neuronal development and function. I am extremely excited to be a part of Dr. Hefti's lab and continue to develop my skills to become an impactful scientist and contribute to the growing field of neuroscience.