I was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and began my undergraduate studies at Iowa Central Community College before transferring to the University of Iowa, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Biology. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted research in Dr. Ali Jabbari’s laboratory, focusing on alopecia areata. After graduation, I joined the Jabbari Lab as a full-time research technician, where my work centered on investigating the role of IL-27 in alopecia areata pathogenesis.

My time in the lab enhanced my interest in biomedical research, which led me to apply to the Master of Science in Pathology program at the University of Iowa. My thesis entitled "Identification and Characterization of CD8 T Cell Epitopes Within an Influenza B Virus Murine Model of Infection" was completed in the laboratory of Dr. Kevin Legge.

I enjoyed my research and my time in the lab so much that I decided to apply for the Experimental Pathology PhD program. I will continue my graduate research with Dr. Legge, and my new dissertation project is focused on characterizing the immune response against a nanoparticle based vaccine specific to influenza B virus."

Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching anime, gaming with friends, spending time with my dog, and enjoying life with my husband.