I chose the Pitt/CMU MSTP because of the outstanding and compassionate MSTP leadership team, approachable and enthusiastic principal investigators, tight-knit, supportive + uplifting student cohorts, emphasis on well-roundedness and investment in life outside of work, proximity to rural communities and options to complete clerkships in rural clinics/hospitals, renowned clinical education, the comprehensive professional development program, great coffee shops, panoramic views, lots of live music, neighborhoods with distinct personalities, and many friendly, kind people!
Outside of the program, I am a part of the Pitt SOM Volleyball Club, Rural Medicine Interest Group, and the Giving a Boost Pre-Med Mentorship Program.
- University of Pennsylvania, Research Technician/Clinical Research Coordinator
- University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Ancillary Health Policy Coursework
- Arizona State University, BS in Biological Sciences - Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
- Arizona State University, BS in Family and Human Development
Education & Training
In the lab, I am engaged in molecular research to better understand how Parkinson's disease-linked genetic mutations influence disease development and progression. My work is generally focused on how organelle trafficking is altered in PINK1-mutant neuronal models. I do considerable live cell microscopy work at the Center for Biological Imaging and am in the process of diving deeper into computational approaches such as proteomics and protein modeling. Previously, I've also worked on blood-based biomarkers and organoid models of the placenta.
Clinically, I am invested in bringing specialty care to rural areas and expanding clinical research opportunities for these populations. Right now that takes the form of learning more about how rural hospitals function, what the day-to-day looks like for physicians in these areas, and helping Pitt students get plugged in with mentors and experiences through the Rural Medicine Interest group.