Undergraduate Institution: University of Iowa

Research mentor: Erin Talbert, PhD (Health, Sport, and Human Physiology)
Research topic: Muscle wasting in people with cancer and specifically those with pancreatic cancer. We’re particularly interested in how and why these people lose skeletal muscle mass and if there are any ways in which this can be prevented.

Background: I am from a very small town in northwest Iowa called Schaller. I have lived there all my life until coming to the University of Iowa in 2021. 

Growing up I have always known that I have wanted to pursue medicine. It has been instilled in me for as long as I can remember, and I never deviated from that path. I always enjoyed science of any sort and during college I decided I wanted to pursue more meaningful science and participate in research. Since I was a physiology major, I reached out to a physiology professor who did research in an area that I was interested in. I ended up in Dr. Talbert’s lab and I really enjoyed my time doing a lot of wet lab techniques and it really allowed me to appreciate the non-clinical side of medicine. I decided to continue in Dr. Talbert’s lab during my gap year post grad.

My future career goals are to attend medical school and eventually become an OB/GYN. I am strongly drawn to the field of women’s health and look forward to pursuing it as a physician.

I spent a lot of time my senior year of college in a learning assistant role where I guided other undergraduate students through difficult course material. I realized how much fulfillment I got from supporting others through their academic journey and this experience solidified my commitment to a career of lifelong leadership as a physician. 

I enjoy going to the gym, getting coffee, being outside preferably by a pool, and spending time with my family.