Team

How I got into science

I was "that kid" that was super into watching "Bill Nye the Science Guy" when there was a substitute teacher--not just because it involved not doing schoolwork, but because I really liked learning about SCIENCE! My particular interest in biology was cultivated when I took Mrs. Thorvaldsen's biology class in 8th grade. I was ridiculously into the labs and I was also "that kid" that was eager to use the microscope to look at tissue samples while the other kids were squeamish in a corner. Mrs. Thorvaldsen was thoroughly impressed with all of my coursework and she encouraged me to keep pursuing my love of science. I always had that innate curiosity about how life around us works. I loved asking questions (and I still do!).

When I was a rising senior in high school, I took on an internship under the guidance of Dr. Christopher Del Negro in the Systems Neuroscience Lab at William & Mary. The lab examines the neural underpinnings of breathing behavior. This was my first experience in a collegiate lab that was dedicated to research. I was paired to work in tandem with a graduate student, but my tasks were simple while I also had the opportunity to observe their work. Although the internship lasted for a summer, it put my ideas for my career in perspective. Beforehand, I was considering pursuing medicine, but I started to like the idea of research more. So when I decided to matriculate to William & Mary as an undergraduate, I did not hesitate to contact Dr. Del Negro about continuing my work in the lab. He was more than excited to take me back on as a student. Over the subsequent four years, I developed many crucial skills to be a more mature neuroscientist while maintaining lasting friendships with my colleagues. I'll always thank Dr. Del Negro for his persistence and guidance. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Now at BU, I'm more than thrilled to take on my dissertation research. I've always had an interest in studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of memory. Different neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases all have intersections in memory dysfunction. Our memories tell our stories. They comprise our essence, shape our personality and experiences, make us feel emotions, and allow us to recognize our loved ones. I understand that we may be a ways away from a total cure to something like AD, but it is equally important to understand the basic science surrounding memory dysfunction. This is one of my biggest goals while I'm here at BU.