About Me
I am a second-year graduate student pursuing my Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) at NC State. I went to high school in Chapel Hill where my fascination with biology began. During my time at UNC Asheville as an undergrad, that initial spark of wonder grew as I explored various subjects. Eventually, I learned that I had an innate talent for biology and a thirst to expand my knowledge of life sciences. Some of my favorite subjects were mycology, cell and molecular biology, and microbiology.
After graduation, I worked as a lab technician at a company called White labs. Here I helped test and propagate yeast for breweries and developed a love for craft beer and microorganisms. Two years of work later, I decided to continue with my education; leaving behind Asheville and White Labs and beginning my journey with the MMB.
Going to grad school had always seemed daunting but once I discovered the MMB program I knew that a professional science degree was the right course for me. Initially, I was worried that being out of school for so long and lacking experience with business skills would leave me feeling overwhelmed. I am happy to say that I quickly adapted to grad student life and thrived in academia for the past two years.
Career Vision
My goal for the future is to find a career that satisfies my love for biology while also pushing me toward greater leadership opportunities. I want to use my valuable combination of scientific knowledge and business skills to excel in business development positions for biotech companies. Cell and gene therapy (CGT) is the cutting edge of regenerative medicine and has a firm place in my future career path. I have taken several cancer and immunology courses at NC State University, as well as created literature reviews on the subject. Combined with my work as an intern at a cell and gene therapy consulting firm, I am well positioned to contribute my soft and technical skills to this industry. My long-term goal after graduation is to work for a CGT company in the Research Triangle Park area to help those suffering from impossible to cure diseases, disabilities, and disorders.