I grew up on welfare and child support with a single mother who was mentally ill and addicted to drugs. Despite her personal challenges, she committed herself to raising me, and we spent countless hours at the local Zoo and in the garden feeding grasshoppers to the spiders. She fostered my love of Biology.

Due to worsening conditions at home, Child Protection Services removed me from her home when I was 16. I lived with 4 families before going to college.

Navigating higher education as a foster kid and first generation college student was like walking blindfolded through a forest. I owe a debt of gratitude to the mentors who believed in and supported me. I aim to pay it forward by mentoring students and making sure my students understand that anyone can be a scientist.