Student Spotlight
Hometown: Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Major: Genetics
Undergraduate Certificate: Science Communication Certificate
Why did you choose Iowa State University?
I chose ISU because it had a top-tier Genetics program. Genetics is a highly specialized study area usually limited to graduate coursework. So, when I was applying to colleges, ISU was one of only 18 in the country that offered Genetics as an undergraduate program. Additionally, ISU stood out as a research 1 (R1) institution, a designation used to identify doctoral-granting universities with the highest levels of research activity. I knew I needed to go to graduate school to earn my Ph.D., and having undergraduate research experiences was key to being prepared for that and garnering summer internships at prestigious institutions along the way.
How did you become interested in your major?
I've always been interested in genetics. I'm fascinated by the nature vs. nurture debate. As an adopted child, as one can imagine, there are also many personal ties to this major. Once at ISU, with help from mentors and from my internship experiences, I narrowed my research interests to personalized and precision medicine. With misinformation on the rise and public health being critical, I knew that I should also learn how to translate science jargon to the public. I was delighted to have the opportunity to pursue a Science Communication Certificate offered through the university. Through the 21-credit coursework required to earn the certificate, I've learned how to write for various audiences, from professional science journals to local fifth-grade classes, without compromising scientific integrity. Upon completing this certificate program, I became a more thoughtful scientist and purposeful speaker.
What are your current goals following graduation?
After graduation, I will start my Ph.D. in the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, I'm proud to have been awarded the prestigious UW SciMed Fellowship.
Campus Activities: While at Iowa State, I stayed deeply involved on campus, working an average of four on-campus jobs per semester while balancing academics. I served as a resident assistant for three years, tutored general and organic chemistry, worked as a research and teaching assistant, and held roles in the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching's media production team, which primarily aids ISU's engineering department. I also participated in and led volunteer trips to Chicago and Georgia during university breaks. These experiences have helped me build strong time management, leadership, and communication skills. They've also deepened my sense of community and strengthened my ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments, skills I'll carry into graduate school and beyond.
Research experience: I was involved in undergraduate research for seven of my eight semesters at Iowa State. I started through the First-Year Honors Mentor Program, working with maize in the Arias Lab, then moved on to studying tumor angiogenesis in zebrafish in the Essner Lab. During my upperclassman years, I worked in Dr. Donald Sakaguchi’s lab, where I completed my Honors Capstone Project titled “Differentiation and Proliferation Potential of AHPC-Neurospheres Plated on Gold Substrates Subjected to Electrical Stimulation.” I enjoyed the hands-on problem-solving that came with research and the opportunity to explore complex scientific questions. Each project pushed me to think more critically and develop resilience when experiments didn’t go as planned. I also appreciated the robust mentorship and collaboration that helped me grow as both a scientist and a student. Research taught me how to communicate my ideas clearly and work through challenges methodically. These experiences have honed my lab techniques and deepened my interest in translational research. They’ve also prepared me for the next steps in my academic and professional journey.
Internship experience: While at Iowa State, I completed two summer research internships at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHoP) and the University of Pennsylvania and another at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. At CHoP, I worked in Dr. Liming Pei's lab through the NIH Human Biomolecular Atlas Program, studying the molecular mechanisms that drive liver fibrosis in adolescent patients with Fontan-associated liver Disease. I was acknowledged for my contributions in an April 2024 Science Translational Medicine publication, which gave me a deep appreciation for the rigor and collaboration it takes to publish scientific work—and what it means to be trusted as an intern contributing to a long-term project. I interned at the Broad Institute in Dr. Eric Lander’s lab the following summer. As a pioneer in genetic research, the leader of the international Human Genome Project, and the Founding Director of the Broad, Dr. Lander’s living-legacy made it especially meaningful to work in his lab, as it reminded me that I, too, could contribute to shaping science in a profound way. There, I used base editing to validate the expression of Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTLs) in non-coding genomic regions and presented my findings at the Broad’s Final Presentations, as well as two national scientific conferences at SACNAS NDiSTEM and ABRCMS. Presenting with full funding support (from the Broad, a Travel Award, and ISU’s McNair program) was a transformative experience that affirmed the value of sharing research with diverse audiences and gave me more confidence in my voice as a scientist. I appreciated the unique research environments at both institutions and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful biomedical questions. These internships sharpened my technical skills, expanded my perspective on translational research, and prepared me for a future in scientific discovery. Plus, they were a fun way to get out of Iowa for a bit—exploring Philly and spending a summer back home in the Boston area made the experiences even more memorable.
What are a few things you love about your major and department?
One of the things I’ve really appreciated about being a Genetics major at Iowa State is how close-knit the community is. With only about 100 students in the major, it’s easy to get to know people and feel supported. The faculty in the GDCB department are approachable and genuinely care about mentoring students, which has made a substantially positive impact on my undergrad experience. Getting involved in research early on and being surrounded by people who love science has made the department feel both exciting and welcoming.
How would you fill in the blank for high school students interested in your field?
“You’re going to love studying the sciences at Iowa State because ….”
the community is supportive, the professors are passionate and approachable, and you’ll have real opportunities to get involved in hands-on research early in your journey!
Last comments:
What’s something new you were inspired to try or do at Iowa State?
Something new I was inspired to try at Iowa State was modeling on campus. I got involved through TREND, our student-run fashion magazine, and walked in the student-run Fashion Show (TFS) two years in a row. I had modeled before, but I never imagined I’d get to do it in Iowa—especially in such a professional setting. The Apparel, Merchandising, and Design students put on an incredible show each year, even partnering with major brands like Urban Outfitters and Steve Madden.