I am a chemical biologist with interests in mechanistic enzymology, metabolism, bioanalytical chemistry, and post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. I am currently a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Pedro Batista at the National Cancer Institute where my research focuses on how interactions between cellular environment and post-transcriptional / translational modifications in cancer systems.

Prior to the NIH, I received my PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from UCSF in the lab of Danica Fujimori where my research focused on enzyme-substrate recognition of tRNA methylating enzymes, as well as developing aptamer-containing, small molecule-sensitive gRNAs for the CRISPR/Cas9 system. As an undergraduate, I studied Chemistry with Chris Calderone at Macalester College where my honors thesis focused on characterizing enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of several fungal secondary metabolites.

Beyond research, I strive to engage students and the public through my work in mentoring, STEM education, and community outreach. This includes teaching hands-on lessons with K-12 public school teachers through UCSF’s Science and Health Education Partnership (SEP); developing an initiative to bring SEP programming to the UCSF Children’s Hospital; and mentoring students in the Introduction to Cancer Research Careers program at the NIH.

Outside of science, I enjoy running, hiking, food and cooking, tea, science fiction, and board games.

CURRICULUM VITAE