Room 138 Giltner Hall
Department of Integrative Biology
Michigan State University
I am a dual PhD student in the Department of Integrative Biology and the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program. My research focuses on the genetics and evolution of electroreception-the ability to detect electrical fields. I completed my B.S. in Environmental Biology/Zoology here at MSU in 2025, and have been working in the lab since 2024! I am honored to be a recipient of the 2025 College of Natural Science Recruitment Fellowship.
My long-term goals include pursing a career in academia, sharing my love of biology through teaching and mentorship, and enjoying plenty of cuddle time with my cats.
Research Areas
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Electrorecption in Weakly Electric Fish – Weakly electric fish use electricty to communicate and navigate, but how do they sense this “feedback”? Is this underlying mechanism conserved across independenly evolved lineages? We are currently investigating the genetic basis of sensory transduction in electrorecption.
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Electroreception in Unexpected Places – While electrorecption is theorized to have indepdently evolved multiple times, could it be more widespread than we think? My research explores potentially novel cases, including investigations into Cetopsidae catfish.
Outreach
I am passionate about making science accessible and engaging. Currently I serve as a Co-Chair for the Graduate Women in Science’s annual Girls’ Math and Science Day, which culminates in a day of science-focsued lectures and activites for middle-school aged children. I also volunteer to help run Bio On Tap, a biology-focused trivia night hosted at a local bar that connects scientists with the broader community!
“Extinction is the rule; survival is the exception.” -Carl Sagan