As an undergraduate student I developed separate but concurrent interests in infectious disease and evolutionary biology. These seemingly disconnected interests were joined together in a single course – The Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease – which played a major role in my decision to attend graduate school. After receiving my B.S. in Veterinary Science, I attended the University of Louisville for my PhD, where my research focused on why pathogen transmission mode influences disease manifestation. Following my graduate studies, I worked as an Assistant Professor of Biology at St. Ambrose University, teaching Microbiology and Immunology, while also developing an undergraduate research lab studying antimicrobial resistance. My other academic interests include science literacy, vaccines, meta-research in the health sciences, and the philosophy of science. I was privileged to join FSC’s remarkable Biology Department in the fall of 2026!
Outside of work I enjoy exercising, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, watching college wrestling, trying new restaurants, and anything wildlife related!
Education:
- B.S. in Veterinary Science – University of Arizona
- Ph.D. in Biology – University of Louisville