Where are you from and what do you enjoy most about your hometown?
I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri, though my family is from Maine and has since moved back – both are centers of home in their own ways. In St. Louis, I love the annual hot air balloon race. I have fond memories watching colorful balloons take to the sky. The night before is the balloon glow where all the balloons are inflated but grounded and Forest Park takes on an enchanted, mystical feel. In Maine, I enjoy the spaciousness and fresh air where my family lives, with multitudes of surrounding trails to enjoy the environment, as well as the fact that my family is now a mere car ride away.
What is your research focused on?
I study the gastrointestinal pathogen Shigella flexneri. My research interests lie in understanding the complex tools that pathogens employ and their evolved methods to facilitate infection. Currently, I am studying how a specific secreted bacterial protein manipulates signaling within the infected host cell to facilitate bacterial infection.
What is your favorite part of your research?
I have come to most enjoy the scientific journey that studying host-pathogen interactions has led me on. Disentangling the role of a bacterial protein during infection has prompted me to learn about various host signaling pathways. The knowledge I have learned as well as the creative process of imagining how such pathways may be involved is gratifying. I entered this program interested in studying the interactive nature between hosts and pathogens and it is satisfying to have seen this play out during my PhD.
How do you relax when you’re not working?
My answer here depends on the day. Sometimes this is with physical exercise – I love the walk from my home in Cambridge into Longwood, some weightlifting, or a yoga class. Lately, I always have a book in my hand and have been watching lots of Star Trek – The Next Generation is really working for me right now. I also love making cards.
Tell us about an activity outside of lab you’re involved in and why it’s important to you
I am a volunteer mediator in the Cambridge Juvenile Court through the Community Dispute Settlement Center. This work is gratifying to me as it offers a chance to connect with both young people and adults. It also inspires me to see how willing especially young people can be to express their vulnerability and resolve conflicts through communication.
