About
My scientific journey
I grew up in Pennsylvania, where I spent many hours in nature observing insects and mushrooms. This early curiosity sparked my interest in biology. I went on to study Biological Engineering at MIT, where I fell in love with macromolecular structures during a biochemistry class.
I recently completed my PhD in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale, where I studied noncoding RNA structures. I enjoy working at both the bench and the terminal, integrating multiple approaches to uncover fundamental mechanistic insights.
Alongside research, I've enjoyed teaching at every level, from elementary school students to graduate students. I've also had the opportunity to teach internationally in South Africa and Thailand.
Beyond research and teaching, I make time to explore nature, spend time with friends, and serve at church.
Quick facts about me
At the Micropia museum in Amsterdam
Academic background
Ph.D., Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry
Dissertation: “Computational and Experimental Investigations of Noncoding RNA Structures.”
Advisor: Anna Marie Pyle
B.S., Biological Engineering
Undergraduate research • Tania Baker • Protease biochemistry
Computational intern • Tanja Kortemme • Protein design
“If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.”
–Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder