2022-2024
2020-2022
2017-2021
2012-2020
Plant Science Engagement Specialist (AAAS Science and Tech Policy Fellow)
at the United States Botanic Garden
I took a hard left turn away from lab research to work at the coolest place: the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. One of my primary projects was to author a strategic plan for science. The plan laid the foundation for stronger connections to the research community that complements and supports the Garden's conservation efforts and stellar education and outreach work.
I worked closely with virtually every team at the Garden including the Learning and Engagement team and USBG Communications to edit it public-facing programs and materials for scientific accuracy, write blogs, and organize my own demonstrations for the Expert Is In series. I also worked with the Horticulture team to guide and consult on research projects and coauthor scientific publications.
Plant Cell Biologist and Communications Intern (Post-doctoral researcher)
at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
I worked on a project called Roots 2.0 where I studied the colonization patterns of beneficial rhizobacteria on plant (Arabidopsis) roots. We think that by characterizing the relationships between rhizobacteria and plants, we might be able to design root systems that encourage these beneficial interactions. I also served as the plant science lead researcher on the multi-institutional Sorghum Metabolic Atlas project mapping protein localizations. This work led to the creation of a free, searchable database of important metabolic enzyme localizations that could be used to generate hypotheses to support the agricultural and biofuel research industries.
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The last six months of my post-doc I also worked with the Biosciences communications team sharing exciting new research done by our division scientists for internal and external audiences.
Lecturer, Professional Presentations Course
at UC Davis Extension
I was instructor of record for a professional presentation course for visiting (or virtually attending) international graduate students in STEM. Throughout the courses, I gave lectures on effective scientific presentation techniques and coached students on crafting their own scientific story.
Plant Cell Biologist (Graduate student reseacher)
at UC Davis (Drakakaki Lab)
From genetic screens, phenotyping, many (many) hours at the microscope, protein and molecular work, tissue culture, and everything in between--I know my way around a wet lab.
My dissertation centered around dissecting plant cytokinesis and the de novo formation of the cell wall (see more below).
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As an expert in plant cell biology I learned a variety of specialized techniques including: vesicle isolation, resin embedding and sectioning, immunohistochemistry (whole mount, sections, and freeze-fractured immunolabeling), cellular dye selection and staining. And of course, in addition to my work at the bench, I wrote grant proposals, presented at conferences, led our safety and outreach programs, and mentored and trained junior researchers.
Education
2012-2020
2008-2012
Doctorate in Plant Biology
with emphasis in Biotechnology
University of California, Davis
Dissertation title: Dissecting the Cell Biology and Evolution of Land Plant Cytokinesis with Chemical Genomics.
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My research focused on understanding how plant cells build a new cell wall as they undergo cytokinesis. I identified a potential new trafficking pathway important for the maturation step of the new cell wall in land plants. Additionally, I identified a previously missed commonality between land plant cytokinesis and that within a closely related freshwater algae. This could offer clues as to the evolution of land plants as they moved from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Click here for list of my publications.
Outside the lab, I co-founded a student-led science communication group on campus called, Science Says. This is where I cut my teeth telling science stories that are engaging, accurate, and relevant to others. See my projects page for more.
Bachelor's Degree in Biology
with minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Thesis title: The Biotechnology of Tomatoes: A Metabolic Approach to Nutritional Improvement.
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As a member of the Honors College, I honed my writing skills and built a strong personal ethic. I found my love of plant research in the UCA Biology department and lead my own research project during a summer internship at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.
Outside of academics, I served the student body in the UCA Student Government Association where I led the Green Initiatives Committee and was an active member of the Biology Club.
