NALA Profile

Personal Interest

I enjoy communicating my research and teaching about biology/science. I have frequently been told that my presentations and writing are very accessible to people within and outside of my field of research. Accordingly, I think I am equipped to help students with writing (e.g. abstracts) and preparing their own presentations (talks, posters), especially in the sciences. A message I wish was more often conveyed to undergraduate students (in STEM and otherwise) is that they should use their undergraduate time to explore many areas or potential interest to find the one(s) that connect to them most - this isn't just about finding a field/career that one loves, but it's also about what will allow one to be the most successful and resilient. As students evolve into professionals, the expectations of their careers can often be overwhelming; the burden of duties/responsibilities in a field or institution will exert significant pressure on young professionals. Pursuing a field and career that one is personally motivated by is important because it's often the only reason one keeps going; this is why I try to emphasize to undergraduates that they shouldn't just pursue a field only because they're expected to or because it seems like it would be the most profitable. In the professional world, one will be competing against other people to one extent or another; those that are personally motivated in their field are generally going to perform better than those who are only present due to circumstance. So, I always encourage undergraduates to pursue what motivates them personally - of course, with the recognition that everyone's living circumstances are unique and other factors of importance should not be left without consideration. I want to help undergraduates in STEM develop the skills they will need as professionals in their field, as well as to demystify the post-graduate world (e.g. grad school application, career entry). Admittedly, I feel I am more equipped with an understanding of the academic career path, though I have frequently discussed alternatives (e.g. government, private sector) with people who have pursued non-academic paths.

Mentoring Interest

Attend Conferences, Host Workshops

Areas of Expertise

Grad School Process, Research Abstracts, Research Posters, Research Presentation, Resume/CV

Past Research

Currently researching genetic regulation in the pathogen Shigella flexneri; specifically, the molecular mechanism by which virulence genes become active upon infection of human hosts.

Past Clubs/Organizations

SNNA-LSAMP, American Society for Microbiology, Phi Kappa Phi, Philip J. Cohen Scholars, UNLV Grad Rebel Advantage