What inspired you to pursue a graduate degree in global health?  

I am originally from China but spent most of my life growing up in Canada. I attended McGill University for my undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Immunology and for my masters in Genetics. My master’s thesis was focused on identifying how a specific genetic polymorphism in red blood cell can affect host susceptibility to malaria infection. It was during my time at McGill University, where I developed a strong research interest in parasitic and vector-borne diseases. It led me to make the move from Montreal to Baltimore, where I worked at the Malaria Research Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and studied the sporozoite stage of the malaria parasite in the laboratory of Dr. Photini Sinnis.  

Why did you decide to attend the UW for graduate school?  

I chose to attend UW for its reputation as a leader in infectious disease research and for the interdisciplinary nature of the Pathobiology program. When picking a PhD program, it was highly important for me to be in an environment where there is an equal emphasis placed on global health and infectious disease biology, and for me to be able to be in a program that can bridge both together. 

What are your research interests? 

My research interests are in parasitic and vector-borne diseases, in addition to host evolutionary adaption to infectious diseases.  

What are you enjoying most about your graduate program? 

One of my favorite things about the program so far is interacting and getting to know my cohort and classmates and having the opportunity to attend events hosted by the School of Public Health.