I am currently completing my undergraduate degree in human physiology with a minor in criminal law & justice. The idea of working in a research lab and possibly being a part of something groundbreaking has always fascinated me! The complexities of the human brain though were not where my interests originally lay as my path here started in clinical pathology.  Since beginning neuro research, I admit that I have gained a true appreciation for the brain and research in neurodegenerative diseases.

I have personal interests in multiple areas and working in the Iowa Neuropathology Resource Laboratory allows me to explore them all. A major area of interest for me personally is forensics, which drives me to explore the intersection of death, pathology, and legal investigation. Learning about different 'causes of death' and relating them back to neurodegenerative diagnoses is fascinating and has taught me so much about the human body, especially the brain. I can work hands-on with human tissue, and it is a privilege that I do not take lightly. My experiences with brain tissue in the lab involve meticulous dissection and analysis with the goal of uncovering valuable insights into our research. As I stated earlier, I did not begin working in this lab from a love of (arguably) the most intricate organ in the human body, but through my work, I have gained a passion and love for it like I have never before experienced. I am involved in projects that aim to decipher the inner workings of neurodegenerative disorders. From taking gross examinations of brains to investigating the molecular underpinnings of diseases, I am committed to contributing advancements in societal understandings of the human brain and its many functions.

As a researcher in the Iowa Neuropathology Resource Laboratory, I have several responsibilities such as processing donated brains, tissue embedding, slide staining, and other various molecular studies. If you share any of my interests or want to learn more about my position as a student research assistant, then please reach out!