Graduate Program: Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics
Faculty advisors: Eric Hendrickson & Jakub Tolar
Where did you get your undergraduate degree and what was your major?
Purdue University, Genetics
What does your research focus on?
Fanconi anemia and the genetic mechanisms of disease.
What intrigued you about this area of research?
When I came to graduate school, I wanted to research cancer genetics or genetic disease. Fanconi anemia is a genetic disease that causes cancer predisposition, so it combined both of my research interests.
What is something a prospective student should know about your graduate program?
This program is supportive of collaborations, and as a graduate student you can facilitate your own collaborations. I saw an opportunity to combine the expertise of two of my rotation PIs and asked them if they would co-advise me.
What are your career aspirations?
I am pursuing an academic career because I aspire to do research that I am proud of and provides knowledge that will change the field forever. I also want to teach genetics and inspire a new generation of scientists.
What's your favorite thing about living in the Twin Cities?
All the culture and events that you could want from a big city, but still is midwest friendly.