Tell us a little bit about yourself  

I was born and raised in Southern California and completed my bachelor's degree in biochemistry from California State University, Los Angeles. As an undergraduate researcher, I studied the effects of antimicrobial peptides on outer membrane vesicle formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. I enjoy reading, painting, and building remote-controlled airplanes in my free time. I always like to try new hobbies and have recently found fun taking photos of Seattle in the rain.   

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

Although several programs at the time of my decision fit my research interest, the emphasis on global health and interdisciplinary work made UW pathobiology program stand out. My interest in how bacterial pathogens research can help solve global health issues fits well with the UW Ph.D. in pathobiology program.   

What are your research interests?  

I am interested in bacterial pathogens and the mechanism or adaptations they use to evade our immune system, survive in the host environment, and resist antibiotics.   

What are you enjoying most about your graduate program?  

I really like the courses in the graduate program. They address topics such as the decolonization of science and issues that affect other parts of the world, resulting in interesting class discussions. In addition, the community has been very helpful and honest. I am thankful for the amazing community who have helped in my smooth transition to Seattle.