Hi, I'm Allison! I am a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. My current project focuses on using directed evolution to engineer proteins based on the non-antibody Fn3 protein scaffold, for use as molecular imaging diagnostics and targeted therapeutics in cancer.

Before starting my Ph.D. career, I completed my M.S in Biological Sciences at Smith College, and my B.S. in Biology from Stonehill College. I've also worked as a PET/CT technologist.

As a graduate student I've TA'd for several classes and labs, including Introductory Biology, Biochemistry I, Cell Biology and a Biomedical Innovation Course. I also volunteer as a Laboratory Instructor for Smith College's Science Outreach program in the Center for Microscopy and Imaging (CMI). We work with local programs in the surrounding communities, including the Northampton and Amherst Literacy Projects and the Holyoke Community College Adult Learning Center.

Outside of school and work I enjoy traveling (I collect magnets!), reading, movies and going home to visit family.