CV

at a glance…

Academic History

August 2021 – May 2025

Louisiana State University: Baton Rouge, Louisiana – B.S. Biological Sciences, cum laude- GPA: 3.746

Research Experience

July 2025 – Present

Post-baccalaureate Researcher, Mentor: Dr. Igor Schneider– Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

  • Mentor matching at LSU and  a year-long research project (August 2025-July 2026)
  • Evaluating the cellular and spatial expression behind a select group of myoglobin genes and determining their role in the wound epidermis of the regenerating Polypterus and Lungfish fin.
  • Skills for development during this project:
    •  Performing/analyzing single-nucleus, bulk RNAseq, and spatial transcriptomics of regenerating fins
    • Evaluation of gene expression using HCR-FISH (Molecular Instruments)
    •  Assessing the functional requirement of genes in transgenic individuals via regeneration assay.   

April 2023-June 2025

Student Researcher, Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, Mentor: Nicholas Coxe, Director: Dr Terrence Tiersch– LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge

  • Experience with amphibian model organisms
  • 3D printed sperm collection device design, Inclined Salamander Positioning Device (https://3d.nih.gov/entries/20948/1.01)
  • Data management and interpretation via Microsoft Excel and R programming
  • Non-lethal sperm extraction, cryopreservation, and in-vitro fertilization
  • Sperm quality analysis using compound light microscope and hemocytometer
  • Animal husbandry, handling, and health evaluations

Two projects to highlight within AGGRC experience featured below:

  • Science communication, website-based informational concept map tool made using Notion productivity software

Full website resource available here

Ambystoma concept map from website resource. Each box on the map corresponds to a guide or informational page on the website.
  • Development of  a data management app through shinyApp and R (Rstudio) for data storage and analysis
  • shinyApp code available for download on Github, instructions included

Awards and Stipends

July 2025-July 2026

Louisiana Graduate Network in Applied Evolution – National Science Foundation (#2216631) – $44,050

Year-long post-baccalaureate research training program focused on developing strong research skills and comprehensive laboratory experience to prepare participants for successful careers in STEM.

Includes a stipend ($34,050) and research funding ($10,000).

Dean’s Scholarship – Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences – $5,000

Support in addition to my PhD stipend. Renewable for one additional year, based on satisfactory progress in the program.

Skills

Computer and Software Skills

  • R and Rstudio
    • shinyApp package
  • Data management and organization
  • Microsoft 365
  • Notion Productivity Software
  • 3D printing
    • Fusion CAD software
    • Ultimaker Cura
  • Video Editing
    • Adobe Premiere Pro
    • Davinci Resolve

Laboratory Skills

  • Sperm cryopreservation in axolotls using liquid nitrogen and 3D printed freezing devices 
  • Lethal and non-lethal sperm extraction in axolotls, in-vitro fertilization
  • Sperm quality assessment via light microscopy

  • Transcriptomic analysis of gene function
    • Bulk RNAseq data
    • Spatial transcriptomics
    • Single-nucleus transcriptomics
  • Amputation and tissue processing
  • Cryostat sectioning 
  • Histological staining (Hematoxylin & Eosin)
  • Genomic DNA extraction and PCR amplification
  • HCR-fish (tissue sections on slides)
  • Fluorescent microscopy and imaging