I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University. I am interested in understanding how the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans senses and adapts to pH changes in its enviroment.

I have experience as a teaching assistant in a introductory level biology course and a upper-level mycology laboratory course. These experiences have equiped me with skills to support student learning through a lecture format and through hands on learning of laboratory techniques.

My research is focused on elucidating the involvement of Cryptococcus neoformans Casein Kinase I in cell function and signal transduction pathways in alkaline and hypoxic conditions that contribute to pathogenesis.