Undergraduate Institution: University of Iowa

Research mentor: Michelle Howard, PhD (Radiation Oncology)
Research topic: Identifying redox-modulating therapeutic agents to overcome treatment resistance in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), an aggressive category of pediatric brainstem cancer

Background: My hometown is Council Bluffs, Iowa, where I lived until finding my way to the University of Iowa in 2020. In the spring of 2024, I obtained my Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in biomedical sciences, as well as a certificate in Sustainability. 

Getting involved in cancer research during my undergraduate studies solidified my passion and interest in oncology. Cancer is a devastating and life-altering disease with so much variety and unpredictability, and by doing cancer research, I hope to find answers to molecular questions and help to improve the quality of life of patients.  

In the future, I will apply to MSTP programs in the hopes of becoming a physician scientist and the first in my family to obtain a graduate degree. I have strong interests in cancer biology, immunology, and healthcare access/equity. Intersectionality is extremely important to me, and I am passionate about finding ways to incorporate it into all aspects of my future career.  

When I am not tending to my cells in lab, I enjoy reading, exploring nature, and playing D&D with friends.