Professional Experience

Professional Experience

Genomic Epidemiologist
Minnesota Department of Health (2023 - present)
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (2022 - 2023)

• Surveillance of microbial pathogens by combining techniques in bioinformatics, epidemiology, and science communication

• Leadership in regional and national working groups for pathogen genomics, antimicrobial resistance, and workforce development

Environmental Science Officer
United States Army Reserve (2023 - present)
Pennsylvania Army National Guard (2020 -2023)

• Peer education, investigation, and planning in environmental health and disease prevention to protect the health of the fighting force

• Guidance for method development and policymaking to integrate molecular biology techniques into pathogen biosurveillance

Epidemiologist and Scientific Writer
Dascena, Inc. (2021 - 2022)
Allegheny County Health Department (2020 - 2021)

• Outbreak response and surveillance of COVID-19 in nursing homes, hospitals, and homeless shelters

• Technical writing of white papers and manuscripts on strategies to prevent the onset and transmission of infectious diseases

Laboratory Scientist
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

• Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of healthcare-associated bacterial infections

• Construction of a bacteriophage library for last-line antimicrobial therapy for drug-resistant pathogens

Civilian Education

Master of Science (M.S.) – Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health

• Thesis: "Genomic epidemiology of horizontal plasmid transfer among healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens in a tertiary hospital"

• Part-time coursework and research completed during full-time employment in laboratory science and epidemiology

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Biological Sciences
Carnegie Mellon University

• Graduated with university, college, and departmental honors

• Completed part-time research studies at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Carnegie Mellon University

Military Education

Medical Management of Biological Casualties Course
US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID)

• Distance learning course version

Army Public Health Course
Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Field Medical Assistant and MEDEVAC Track Phase Course
US Army Medical Center of Excellence, Fort Sam Houston, TX 

Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Basic Officer Leadership Course
US Army Medical Center of Excellence, Fort Sam Houston, TX 

• Commandant's List (ranked in the top 20% of class graduates)

Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Direct Commission Course
Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, OK