What motivated you to pursue a career in stem cell research?

My Dad is a doctor, and my grandparents were researchers as well. I always enjoyed science and wanted to make an impact on people, so it just made sense to combine all motivations and pursue regenerative research.

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What area of research do you focus on, and why is it important to you?

My focus on neuroscience is valuable to me because I’ve always been interested in how the brain and spinal cord develops. I have a background degree in neuroscience, so I like going into a deeper dive into how the brain truly works.

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What is your favorite part about being a researcher?

We get to work with some great pieces of equipment while also working with unique and interesting cells. It’s one thing when you’re taking a science class in school when you're learning how an actual neural stem cell works then there’s growing them in a culture dish. Combining the book knowledge with practical hands-on experience is what I really enjoy.

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Who or what inspires you in your research?

A lot of my skills and lab knowledge have come from my first research experience during undergrad at UC Santa Barbara with Dr. Dennis Clegg and his project scientist Britney Pennington. I learned fundamental lab techniques, how to think like a scientist and approach every single question through a different lens that might lead me down a new line of inquiry. The guidance from my PI, Dr. Evan Snyder, Zumi Alvarado and Ruslan Nuryyev have also shaped me into the scientist who I am today.

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Outside of the lab, what do you like to do in your free time?

I love to play my electric guitar, and I have a collection of vinyl records. I also like to go to the car show at Rancho Santa Fe with my friends.