Biography

Through my undergraduate degree in biology at the California Institute of Technology, I became fascinated by biochemistry and structural biology. These disciplines enable scientists to understand the molecular basis of cell processes and disease. At Cambridge, I will complete an MPhil in Biological Science in Dr. Lori Passmore’s group at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. My MPhil project will explore the role of protein adaptors in guiding targeted deadenylation of mRNAs. This research will help define the rules governing the interactions of adaptor proteins with deadenylating complexes to regulate gene expression. Deadenylation is one strategy used by cells for restricting gene expression. If an RNA must be degraded to stop expression, its poly(A) tail is removed through deadenylation. Thus, deadenylation allows for gene expression programs to change rapidly in response to cellular cues. This project will promote advances in medicine and human health by establishing a basis for future research on new tools to manage gene expression during disease. I am pleased to be part of the Gates Cambridge program and look forward to working alongside students performing cutting-edge research to improve the human condition.

Previous Education

California Institute of Technology Biology 2024