I grew up in Indiana and earned my bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Purdue University Indianapolis in 2023. During my undergraduate years, I worked as a teaching assistant for general and organic chemistry and held several clinical roles, including as a nursing assistant (PCA) and behavioral technician (MHC) where I worked with both pediatric and geriatric populations. I did my capstone research and gap year in Dr. Christopher Lapish's lab where I was involved in multiple studies investigating the underpinnings of maladaptive decision making and alcohol use disorder.  These experiences shaped me into a collaborative, detail-oriented team member and sparked my curiosity into how the biomedical sciences can improve the quality of life of patients who were suffering from diseases I often encountered in the clinic.

Motivated by these experiences, I joined the IBMG program at IU School of Medicine in the fall of 2024. After completing my first-year rotations, I joined the Pharmacology PhD program and began my research in Dr. Munoz's lab. My work focuses on understanding the role of glycine receptors in the striatum and how they may modulate the loss of dopaminergic tone that is characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. To address these questions, I use a range of approaches, including electrophysiology in acutely isolated neurons, mouse behavioral assays, ex vivo photometry, qPCR, and Western blotting.

In my free time, I enjoy writing, baking, playing with my cats (Stanley and Deo), going to hockey games, and playing video games with my husband!