I'm originally from Iowa City and earned my bachelor’s degree in Biology with an interest in medicine at the University of Iowa. As an undergraduate, I worked in Dr. Ali Jabbari's lab in the Department of Dermatology, studying the collapse of immune privilege in the hair follicle and its role in the autoimmune disease alopecia areata. After graduation, I continued as a research assistant, further developing my bench skills and deepening my understanding of autoimmune disease mechanisms. 

My growing interest in immunology and autoimmunity led me to pursue a Master of Science in Pathology, where I joined the Boyden Lab. My current research focuses on the role of B cells in multiple sclerosis, and through this work, I am continuing to grow and refine my skills as a scientist.