My academic career began at Amherst College, where I earned my undergraduate degree in biology with a focus on marine sciences. After graduating, I joined MBL in Karen Echeverri’s lab investigating the role of neuropeptides in Axolotl regeneration. It was here where I learned various techniques in animal care, as well as increasing my abilities in various laboratory techniques. I have since moved to the Patel lab where I am continuing my animal care practices on Parhyale hawaiensis and taking on a new project on scale development in butterflies.
My love for Marine sciences developed at an early age after spending many summers up in Maine exploring the various tide pools, competing with my siblings to find the best organism. These explorations lead me to become increasingly curious about the natural world, and how interactions between creatures both big and small cause even these tiny ecosystems to florish.
While studying at Amherst, my research focused mostly on plant reproduction. Specifically a plant’s ability to self-fertilize. As a research assistant in Jill Miller’s lab I analyzed Pistil and Stamen samples to infer whether the Galapagos endemic Lycium minimum was capable of self-fertilization.
I try to spend as much time outside as I can. I love rollerblading, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. It is my goal to understand as many organisms as I can, both big and small.