I am a passionate scientist developing skills in computational, developmental, and molecular biology. I am earning a PhD in Biology at the University of Oregon.
In my PhD research, I study craniofacial development in syngnathid fishes (seahorses, pipefishes, and seadragons) using single cell RNA sequencing and genomic analysis. These fishes have highly altered craniofacial skeletons including elongate snouts and loss of teeth. My research aims to understand how developmental gene regulatory networks have been altered in these fishes. My dissertation research is currently supported by an NIH F31 from NIDCR, it was previously supported by University of Oregon’s NIH Genetics Training Grant.
During my PhD, I prioritize learning new computational skills. I learned bioinformatic skills through taking courses and teaching with the Bioinformatics and Genomics Master’s Program. I also took a short course on Machine Learning in Image Analysis at Woods Hole. Outside of these opportunities, I independently learned analysis of Single Cell RNA Sequencing and Assay of Transpose Accessible Chromatin data.
Professionally, I am involved with numerous organizations. I served as President (2022-2023) and Outreach Co-Chair (2021-2022) of Women in Graduate Sciences. As President of Women in Graduate Sciences, I received a campus leadership award for my work re-invigorating the organization after COVID. Additionally, I participated in Women’s Innovation Network in 2022-2023 to connect with high achieving women in my community. I am also involved with the graduate student organization (GrEBES) which serves students in Ecology and Evolution research.