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MY DISSERTATION AND THE POTENTIAL OUTCOMES

My research focuses on how RNA can act as a genetic regulatory element. The canonical role for RNA is an intermediate between genes and proteins, but we are increasingly finding that RNA can itself regulate whether and how much genes are transcribed. After foraying into the world of RNA sequencing, I realized there was a wealth of information contained in sequencing data with very little mechanistic understanding about what up or downregulation of a particular RNA transcript does. This sent me diving into the fascinating rabbit hole that is RNA biology.

Through this experience, I hope to learn how to operate independently as a scientist. I see doing research as an opportunity to affect positive change in the world. With that opportunity comes the imperative to pursue the truth to the best of our abilities. It turns out that pursuing the truth to the best of my abilities is challenging in innumerous ways, and a PhD is preparing me for those challenges. I think doing a PhD has also allowed me to develop several ‘soft skills’ important to doing research, including critical thinking and dealing with uncertainty and failure. Beyond soft skills, I’ve gained so much knowledge and technical expertise in the field of biochemistry that I never would have otherwise. Taking core courses, taking the written and oral exams, and writing and defending proposals have all forced me to confront gaps in my knowledge and grow as a scientist.
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WHERE I'M HEADED POST DOCTORAL STUDIES

My undergraduate degree and research was in the field of neuroscience, and I’m still very much interested in neuroscience questions. I think I would like to apply the techniques and principles I’m learning to questions related to human neurological health and disease. With an organ as complex and important as the brain, regulation of the biochemical activities within brain cell types is likely to be specialized. Indeed, many non-coding mutations (and other likely RNA-driven phenotypes) cause an array of neurodevelopmental symptoms. Having gained an understanding of biochemical techniques and the challenges of implementing them for neuroscience questions, I hope to be able to design biochemical experiments that reveal truths pertinent to neurobiology.
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BIOCHEMISTRY INSPIRATION

It feels like a salient time for the marriage of basic biology and chemistry with advancements in human health. I’m inspired by the possibilities presented by gene editing technologies which can eventually be utilized for gene therapies. I’m inspired by the development of super-resolution imaging techniques that allow us to see single molecules in live cells and single atoms in biomolecules. I’m inspired by huge advancements in in silico techniques (including alpha-fold, and I’m hopeful that a similar algorithm will one day be able to predict RNA structure). More than anything, though, I’m inspired by biochemists—their expertise, creativity, and desire to improve our society.
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WHY I SELECTED CU BOULDER

When deciding which graduate programs to apply to, I tried to wholistically consider my experience in that environment both inside and outside of the lab. I’m very grounded by being surrounded by nature, so I knew CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ had to be in the running as one of the most beautiful locales in the country. When I interviewed, I gleaned a culture of collegiality in the department that is pervasive from faculty to graduate students. The other graduate students seemed like a group I would fit with. I love that they take the science seriously but also pursue extracurricular hobbies and care about broader social issues. Scientifically, I wanted to choose a graduate program that would challenge me and push me to grow. I was aware of the Biochemistry Department’s reputation for highly rigorous and quantitative science. On top of that, the department is world renowned for basic RNA biology, an area I was interested to delve into.
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

One important part of my graduate school journey has been serving on the board of Science Community Outreach Program and Education (SCOPE), an outreach organization that brings experiments and volunteer scientists to local middle schools. Being given the opportunity to do research as a young person was one of the most formative experiences of my life, and SCOPE’s mission is to give that experience to as many kids as possible by introducing them to hands-on science. I have served as SCOPE’s Volunteer Coordinator, Vice President, and Fundraising Coordinator in addition to serving as a volunteer and lesson lead in classrooms. This experience has taught me so much about leadership and education and solidified my desire to pay forward the excellent mentorship I have received throughout my career. It was also very meaningful for me to mentor a Bridges to Baccalaureate undergraduate student on an independent summer research project, and to mentor two high school students for the science fair competition (which eventually made it to the International Science and Engineering Fair).Ìý

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