I was born and raised in Lesotho, where most undomesticated animals—especially amphibians and reptiles—are commonly seen as dangerous or untouchable. There’s a widespread cultural distance between people and animals, often rooted in fear, myth, or a lack of exposure. Even domesticated animals in my community are typically seen as servants to the household, not companions. This perception shaped my early worldview and left me deeply afraid of nearly all living animals.

As I grew older, I realized that fear often stems from a lack of understanding. Rather than avoiding animals, I chose to confront that fear head-on. I became curious about how animals think, feel, and behave. I saw the opportunity to work in Professor Takahashi’s lab as not only a chance to expand my academic interests but also as a personal challenge—to turn fear into fascination and disconnection into curiosity.

Lesotho also faces serious environmental threats, including the endangerment of many native species. By immersing myself in animal behavior research, I hope to gain tools and insights that I can one day bring back home. Understanding how animals interact with their environments and with each other may offer solutions to conservation challenges in regions like mine, where ecological awareness is still growing.

As a neuroscience student at a liberal arts college, I’m excited to explore how the study of animal behavior intersects with brain science, evolution, and the environment. After graduation, I plan to pursue an MD-PhD in neuroscience, combining clinical work with research to deepen our understanding of behavior and brain function. My long-term goal is to return to Lesotho and establish a neuroscience research institute that promotes both human and environmental well-being through culturally grounded science.