Graduate Program:

FRRBP

Undergraduate Institution:

The University of Iowa

Hometown/Country:

Naperville, IL

How did you hear about our program?

I began working in the Douglas Spitz lab in 2011 as an undergrad and as I continued learning and developing my career as a scientist, I decided that the FRRB program would be the best fit for my graduate school experience.

What type of research are you performing?

I am currently working on the redox mechanisms of arthrofibrosis and the differentiation of resident stroma into myofibroblasts.

What is your favorite part about being a graduate student?

My favorite part about being a graduate student is participating in clinically relevant science and getting to do exciting benchwork with all of my coworkers.

What are your favorite hobbies/activities outside of research?

I enjoy playing video games, listening to audiobooks (currently working through Stephen King’s Needful Things), and playing DnD with my friends over Zoom.

What is one topic where you might like the advice of other graduate students in the program?

I believe that my fellow graduate students have great advice on how to manage work life, and balancing class load without sacrificing mental health. It’s always important to develop a support system within your friend group, and your graduate cohort and senior students are a great resource for this.