Biography

I graduated from Drew University (Madison, NJ) with a BA in neuroscience in 2008.  I came straight to graduate school as a member of the first BBSP class and joined the Neurobiology Curriculum in 2009. As a strong advocate for basic research, I would like to improve the interface between scientists and the general public in order to strengthen public support for research in our country.  In my spare time, I enjoy working out, cooking, painting, and kayaking.

Research

I am a member of Dr. Mohanish Deshmukh's lab in the UNC Neuroscience Center. My research focuses on how a neuron can degenerate its axon without putting the rest of itself at risk. Such axon pruning is required for the establishment of proper neuronal circuitry during development and may be aberrantly activated in various neurodegenerative settings. Using microfluidic technology to separate the axon and soma of sympathetic neurons in vitro, I am examining how the mechanism of axon-specific degeneration intersects with apoptosis.

Publications

Activities/Awards

2013 UNC Graduate School Impact Award winner
2012 Federation of European Neurosciences  (FENS) Travel Award winner
2011 Media Highlight at SfN
2011 PMRD faculty-selected speaker
2011 NRSA recipient
2010-2012 Student Representation Committee for the curriculum
2009 Neuroscience Training Grant
2008–2010 PMRD student planning committee; co-chair (2010)