Undergraduate Institution: Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, Iowa

Research mentor: James Byrne, MD, PhD (Radiation Oncology & Biomedical Engineering)
Research topic: The development of a self-regenerating oxygen-releasing material to overcome tumor hypoxia in MPNSTs

Background: I was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa where I also attended Briar Cliff University, majoring in biochemistry. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science degree in spring 2023 and soon after came to Iowa City to start the ICARE Postbaccalaureate Program. After my grandfather's cancer diagnosis, my interest in cancer research intensified my curiosity to learn more in the health science field. My undergraduate professors helped expose me to topics in this area and suggested research opportunities to me. I aim to be the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree and look forward to continuing my cancer research in the future. I'm grateful for the family atmosphere that has been created with my fellow ICARE fellows, through the exceptional bonding experiences inside and outside of our program. When not busy in the classroom or laboratory, I enjoy relaxing at home with my dog, Baxter, and watching movies.