Molecular Roots
I believe that the most profound breakthroughs occur when we honor our roots while still looking to the future. My experiences explore the intricate relationship between biochemical pathways and agricultural sustainability. Much like the crops I study, my life has been a process of patient cultivation—integrating rigorous scientific inquiry with a commitment to community enrichment. To understand the life of a plant is to understand the persistence required to change the world from the ground up.
Lab Expertise
PCR/Gel Electrophoresis
Microscopy
Cloning
Bioinformatics
CRISPR/Cas9
As a child, learning about plants from my mother filled my summers with warm days and warm hugs and taught me the value in cultivating your own personal gardens- whatever that may look like. Whether enjoying the annual blooms of the petunias and pansies or the nutritious peppers and pumpkins we grew, these experiences shaped both my love of plants and bugs but also my love for connection and the exploration of human resilience.
2014-2015
Physical Chemistry Microscopy at UChicago
2014-2015
After graduating from high school with honors and achievements in the sciences, I was pleased to work in conjunction with chemistry labs at Roosevelt University and UC on advocating for removal of Pet-Coke from highly populated neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois. Our field work, microscopy analysis, and cataloguing of this carbon-based byproduct led to safer production and storage methods to keep disadvantaged communities safe.
2016-2024
Physical Therapy to Therapist's Assistant
After suffering a traumatic brain injury after a fall down several flights of icy steps, the difficult decision to temporarily withdraw from school and move closer to family was a must. After finding excellent support in physical therapy during the recovery process, I was inspired to become a nanny and swim instructor for all abilities and ages. I then went to work for the therapist who healed the severe vertigo I dealt with at Alpine ENT in Loveland, Colorado and was able to participate in the recovery of so many others.
2018-2022
Plants and Produce!
While rewarding, patient care also required a lot from me as an introvert. I found refuge in working as a grower/ greenhouse attendant at Fort Collins Nursery and then as a Produce Manager for King Soopers, bringing fresh and healthy produce to our community first-hand.
2025-Present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
With my recovery well underway, I was finally able to re-enroll at CSU with a newly-found love of healthcare- pushing me towards a new major area of study; biochemistry. Here, I have the honor of working with and collaborating with tons of inspiring individuals. Namely, my employers at the Nachappa Lab here in campus. We study agricultural insect vector biology and I perform a fun combination of field work and molecular analysis; combining my love of plants, community, and human development.Â
Pursue M.Sc. Biochemistry & Molecular Bio
What's Next?
Spring 2027 will mark the senior year of my B.S. education, and the first year of my M.S. education thanks to CSU's AMP BCMC program and the exciting new opportunity of learning in the Markus Lab, where molecular motor proteins and mitosis/cell division is explored. I am so proud to join this lab and am looking forward to continued collaboration and growth in my career and as an individual, in general.
With my recovery well underway, I was finally able to re-enroll at CSU with a newly-found love of healthcare- pushing me towards a new major area of study; biochemistry. Here, I have the honor of working with and collaborating with tons of inspiring individuals. Namely, my employers at the Nachappa Lab here in campus. We study agricultural insect vector biology and I perform a fun combination of field work and molecular analysis; combining my love of plants, community, and human development.Â
While rewarding, patient care also required a lot from me as an introvert. I found refuge in working as a grower/ greenhouse attendant at Fort Collins Nursery and then as a Produce Manager for King Soopers, bringing fresh and healthy produce to our community first-hand.
2025-Present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
In the words of Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda,
"You can cut
 all the flowers
 but you cannot
 keep spring
 from coming."
Learning to Grow
Circa 2000
Milestones
CHRONOLOGY
KEEP GROWING
KEEP GROWING