at a glance…

Academic History

August 2026 – May 2031

Ph.D. Student: Wake Forest University, Advisor: Professor Dr. Joshua Currie

August 2021 – May 2025

B.S. Biological Sciences: Louisiana State University

-GPA: 3.747, Cum Laude, President’s Honor Roll, Dean’s list

Research Experience

July 2025 – July 2026

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 fins.
• Skills for development during this project:
  •  Performing/analyzing single-nucleus RNAseq, bulk RNAseq, and spatial transcriptomic data of regenerating fins
  • Evaluation of gene expression using HCR-FISH (Molecular Instruments)
  •  Assessing the functional requirement of genes in transgenic individuals via regeneration assay.   

July 2026

Emerging Leaders in Regenerative Biology and Development Course (ReBilD)– MDI Biological Laboratory. Bar Harbor, Maine

Featured concurrent experiments in regeneration and development, using an array of models and led by a cohort of experienced teaching faculty. Lessons and hands-on lab work were complemented by round table discussions and informal dinners with multiple keynote lecturers, seminars and other training activities. See full CV for more specifics.

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

• 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

August 2026-August 2027

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.

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).

Skills

Computer and Software Skills

• R and Rstudio
  • shinyApp package
  • Seurat package
• Loupe Browser (spatial transcriptomics), Trailmaker (snRNAseq)
• Alphafold2 protein structure generation and analysis
• Microsoft 365
• Notion Productivity Software
• 3D printing
  • Fusion CAD software
  • Ultimaker Cura
• Video Editing
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Davinci Resolve

Laboratory Skills

Undergraduate:

• 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

Post-bacc:

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

Download full CV here: