GG Scholar Spotlight

What aspect of genetics and/or genomics most interests you?

I am interested in how recent advancements in genetics and genomics can make agriculture more sustainable. My interest in the field was inspired by the diverse set of issues that genetics and genomics can solve in our local communities, as well as in less developed communities around the world. I am fascinated by how the same techniques can be used to improve human health, food security, and ecological resiliency in a changing climate.

What (or Who) influenced you to go into your field of study?

I have long been fascinated by biology, but didn’t have a specific niche interest until later in college. During my sophomore year in a genetics course, I found it interesting how such small alterations to an organism’s code could have such large consequences, often causing detrimental diseases. I was further fascinated by how modern developments in technology can be harnessed curb these issues with extremely high precision. Working in Dr. Matthew Logan Johnson’s lab was where I finally found that this was my niche. There, I engineered a fusion protein responsible for a rare form of uterine cancer known as ESS. Ultimately, this work proved to me that I love designing experiments in genetics and genomics because they can provide tangible solutions to countless biological issues.

Who or what do you hope benefits from your research?

I hope that my research can benefit all aspects of life. This includes preserving natural ecosystems, positively impacting agricultural economies, and improving the health and well-being of people around the world. This is exactly why that I believe that when used responsibly, molecular biology can accelerate the rate at which our world’s most pressing issues can be solved.

How can your research be used to inform decision makers?

I think that education regarding genetics and genomics is extremely important. This is especially true as the field becomes more relevant, and it’s tools more impactful than ever. My aim as a scientist is to be an example of how responsible science is not only investigated, but also applied. At the end of the day, science is complicated and hard to understand. It is important to remain transparent and true to the scientific process, even when the outcomes reveal new complexities that may nuance potential solutions. This is the first step in establishing public trust, and progressively introducing deeper education as the field becomes more relevant.

What do you think is the most pressing issue or problem in your field of study?

I believe that the most pressing issue is that we need to accommodate stable agricultural solutions for a society that has never existed until now. An increasing global population, climate change, and resource scarcity are just some of the issues that humanity has never faced on this scale before. It makes this a scary time, but also an exciting one, as a responsible use of biotechnology can improve our lives as well as the ecosystems around us.

How do you expect the GG Scholars program to impact your work?

The GG Scholars program is a great fit for me for many reasons. The ability to rotate through multiple labs during in my first year allows me to expand my knowledge of genetics and genomics. Understanding the different tools used across labs will help me become more rounded in my understanding of molecular biology, while also refining my interests. I am also very excited to be part of a cohort, as scientific collaboration makes research fun while also sparking new ideas.

How would you describe your research interests to a 3rd grader?

At the smallest level, all life is made of the same building blocks. When mistakes occur in how these blocks are arranged, things can go wrong. I am interested in how humans can manually arrange these blocks ourselves in different types of plants. A simple rearrangement could change how tall a stalk of corn grows, how sweet a berry is, and whether a plant gets sick or not.

What’s your dream job?

I would love to work in academia and have a genetic engineering lab, although I am excited to see how my future career interests become refined as I progress through obtaining my PhD. Wherever I end up, my goal is to be a positive influence on the people around me and make the world a better place.

What else do you wish others knew about you?

Outside of my research interests, my main hobby is music (I could talk about indie rock bands for hours). I am part of a band called Mégane where I write the songs, as well as sing and play rhythm guitar. If I’m not doing either research or working on music, I am probably outside. I love gardening as well as going on runs, golfing, and traveling to new places.