Nashville, Tennessee, United States
I am an M2 in the Vanderbilt University Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). I earned my Bachelor's degree from Berry College, double majoring in Biochemistry and Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies. I began my research career in organic/medicinal chemistry and have over time shifted to chemical biology and molecular/cell biology. My philosophy in my education and life has been to consider how the intersections of many disciplines can explain how the world works, whether that be the biology and sociology that influence health or the politics and chemistry that influence the natural world. I hope to ultimately contribute within the intersection of basic science and medicine as a physician-scientist who develops diagnostic methods to better characterize diseases related to environmental exposures. I am committed to providing mentorship to prospective MD and/or PhD trainees; anyone seeking advice as they pursue these educational paths is welcome to send me a message!
As a part of Vanderbilt University's Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), I am pursuing both the MD and PhD degrees. I am currently enrolled in the first year of medical school (M1).
My work in the Heemstra Lab in the Washington University Department of Chemistry involved evolving serum-stable aptamer-based biosensors.
I managed ~50 student employees working as teaching lab coordinators, teaching assistants, and safety officers.
I developed and revised departmental standard operating procedures for chemical handling and job responsibilities.
I synthesized small molecule probes and drugs with the goal of treating diseases caused by "unligandable" proteins using the "PROTAC" method. See projects and awards.
This position involved full-time summer research in Chemical Biology in the Yin Lab at the Georgia State University Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics through the NSF-REU program. While working at GSU, I test the efficacy of PROTAC compounds I have synthesized (see projects).