Where are you from and what do you enjoy most about your hometown?
I am from Natick, Massachusetts and something I love about this area is how close it is to so many types of fun activities! Within an hour you could be swimming in the ocean, skiing down a mountain, or picking apples and eating fresh apple cider donuts. It is also fun to have alpacas as next door neighbors!
What is your research focused on?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis, one of the deadliest infectious diseases both today and across history. My research studies how the ongoing evolution of this bacterium alters the functionality of a key virulence mechanism.
What is your favorite part of your research?
My favorite part of my research is the experience of systematically diving into unexplored waters with the hope of coming out with answers. It is a very exciting process made exponentially better when you have a fantastic lab that has your back!
How do you relax when you’re not working?
Outside of work I enjoy reading, playing tennis, going to a kickboxing exercise class, traveling, and doing all sorts of activities around the area!
Tell us about an activity outside of lab you’re involved in and why it’s important to you
Outside of lab I also participate in the SEAL Teaching Certificate program. This program is important to me because it offers training in teaching theory and practical experience with course design, giving me the tools I need to make a positive impact on future scientists in the classroom.
