ABOUT

Amanda is an NIH-funded post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Erik Andersen at Johns Hopkins University, where she uses the free-living clade V Caenorhabditis nematodes to identify mechanisms of resistance to anthelmintic (anti-nematode) drugs.  Her work aims to uncover resistance mechanisms conserved across parasitic nematodes to better treat infections in humans, livestock, and domesticated animals.  Her long-term career goal is to lead an independent research program that integrates genetic and metabolomic approaches to advance our understanding of anthelmintic resistance. She is also passionate about teaching and mentoring, and about opportunities to innovate at the interface of genetics education and research. 

Amanda completed her Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Arthur Edison at the University of Georgia. Her doctoral training enabled her to use the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for metabolomics and the identification of unknown compounds. She leveraged C. elegans to provide insights into how genetic perturbations influence metabolism to help identify unknown compounds. 

Prior to graduate school, Amanda spent four years as a laboratory technician, where she developed a strong interest in host-parasite interactions, drug resistance, and the use of 'omics technologies in research. She began her scientific journey with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Kansas. At the University of Kansas, she conducted research in an evolutionary development lab, served as a Resident Assistant, and was Philanthropy Chair for her Alpha Delta Pi chapter.