HMEI-STEP Project: Utilizing Insect-Specific Viruses as a Means of Biocontrol

HMEI-STEP Advisor: C. Jessica Metcalf

Thesis Advisor: Alexander Ploss

Born and raised in Philadelphia, I received my B.A. in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. There, I was exposed to the wonders of virological research, studying Ebola and Lassa Fever viruses with Dr. Ron Harty. I steadily grew more fascinated by tropical diseases and RNA viruses, particularly the power that basic research can have in alleviating their global burdens. This led me to pursue my PhD in Molecular Biology here at Princeton, where I work on human hepatotropic viruses and flaviviruses with Dr. Alexander Ploss. Outside of the lab (a steadily narrowing timeslot), I enjoy opera, biking, running, tennis, theatre, and an excessive amount of caffeine.