About the PI
My experiences have shaped a deep commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment in science. As a member of the LGBTQI+ community and a first-generation high school and college graduate, I understand firsthand the importance of supporting individuals from backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented in research.
In my work, I strive to foster a sense of belonging for every member of my team. I aim to be not only a strong scientist, but also a thoughtful mentor, an engaged ally, and a positive role model. Building a supportive and equitable environment is central to how I lead, collaborate, and make decisions.
I am dedicated to cultivating a research group that reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences—including, but not limited to, differences in socioeconomic background, age, education, veteran status, immigration status, nationality, race and ethnicity, disability, gender, and sexual identity. By embracing this diversity, I believe we strengthen both our science and our community.
EDUCATION
Freie Universität Berlin
Institute of Pharmacy
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Department of Cardiology
Campus Benjamin Franklin
Berlin, Germany
Dr. rer. nat. (Ph.D.)
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Department of Biology
Berlin, Germany
Diplom-Biologe (M.Sc)
Molecular Biology and Genetics, Microbiology, Parasitology
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
Institute of Biology
Halle an der Saale, Germany
Vordiplom Biologie (B.Sc.)
Biological Sciences
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2024-present
Research Associate Professor
UNC Blood Research Center
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
2015-2024
Research Assistant Professor
UNC Blood Research Center
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
2012-2015
Research Associate
UNC McAllister Heart Institute
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
2008-2012
Postdoctoral Fellow
UNC McAllister Heart Institute
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
CLINICAL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
2006-2008
Sanofi Aventis, SEPIA-ACS 1/ TIMI 42
“Study of Otamixaban Versus Unfractionated Heparin (UFH)
and Eptifibatide in Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome”
ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT00317395
Role: Pharmacist
Department of Cardiology
Campus Benjamin Franklin
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Berlin, Germany
2004-2005
Sanofi Aventis, SEPIA-PCI
“Otamixaban in Comparison to Heparin in Subjects
Undergoing Non-Urgent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention”
ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT00133731
Role: Lab-Reporter
Department of Cardiology
Campus Benjamin Franklin
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Berlin, Germany
MILITARY SERVICE
1996-1997
Field (Combat) Medic (Sanitätssoldat)
Airman First Class (Obergefreiter)
German Air Force (Luftwaffe der Bundeswehr)
Spreewald-Kaserne Krugau
Krugau, Germany
HONORS
2024
State-of-the-Art Speaker at the 2024 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress in Bangkok, Thailand
2024
Top Poster Abstract at the 2024 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress in Bangkok, Thailand
2024
UNC School of Medicine – Boost Award
2021 – 2022
UNC School of Medicine – NC TraCs Award
2020 – 2024
R01 Award, NIH/NHLBI
2020
UNC School of Medicine – Boost Award
2018 – 2023
ESI R01 Award, NIH/ NHLBI
2017 – 2018
UNC School of Medicine – NC TraCs Award
2014 – 2016
AHA Beginning Grant in-Aid
2014
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Travel Award for Young Investigators, AHA Scientific Sessions 2014
2014
Winner Jay N. Cohn New Investigator Award – Basic Science Heart Failure Society of America
2012
Finalist Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Early Career Investigation Award, AHA Scientific Sessions 2012
2010-2011
Myocarditis Foundation Research Grant
2010
Best of the American Heart Association – Specialty Conferences at AHA Scientific Sessions 2010
2008-2010
American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship