What was your path to your current role?
Although I’m a native Bostonian, I fell in love with the study of marine biodiversity as an undergrad at Earlham College in Indiana. After college, I was an intern and then staff at the New England Aquarium. Next, I transitioned to research aquatics in Cliff Tabin’s lab in the HMS genetics department, working with a large colony of blind cavefish, as well as the talented facility manager, Brian Martineau. Currently, I provide animal care for the Xenopus (clawed frog) colonies in the HMS systems biology department. The support from my department and the opportunities to contribute to research have made this a much more rewarding career than I might have ever imagined.
What is your favorite person, place, or thing on or around the HMS campus or wherever you spend most of your time?
I really enjoy attending talks at HMS. If there’s a positive to come from the pandemic, Zoom has made it easier for me to attend almost every event that catches my interest, even when I don't have time to join in person. Learning about the diverse and interesting work taking place at HMS helps to maintain my own enthusiasm. I usually listen from the frog facility. So far, the frogs have no complaints.
What experience has shaped your time at HMS?
Joining lab operations in systems biology was transformative. I am part of an amazing team of support staff. Through their constant support and assistance, I have been able to pursue opportunities to contribute to science intellectually, and in ways that I would have never thought possible.