Experience

University of Georgia (UGA) Graduate School

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Graduate Research Assistant

  • Aug 2018 - Present

  I conduct research under Dr. Katrien Devos. Our work focuses on better understanding the genetics and genomics of orphan crops. My projects revolve around fine-mapping genes in pearl millet relevant to breeders and understanding the host and pathogen genetics of finger millet blast. In this role, I've done the following: -Conducted multiple RNA-Seq experiments (RNA extraction, library preparation, data analysis) -Optimize bioinformatics workflows for NGS data processing and… Show more I conduct research under Dr. Katrien Devos. Our work focuses on better understanding the genetics and genomics of orphan crops. My projects revolve around fine-mapping genes in pearl millet relevant to breeders and understanding the host and pathogen genetics of finger millet blast. In this role, I've done the following: -Conducted multiple RNA-Seq experiments (RNA extraction, library preparation, data analysis) -Optimize bioinformatics workflows for NGS data processing and analysis -Generate constructs via multiple molecular cloning techniques (restriction digestion/ligation, Gateway, GreenGate, Gibson assembly) for validating fungal and host plant genes -Transformation of E. coli, Agrobacterium, and yeast cells as well as M. oryzae -Confocal microscopy of GFP-tagged M. oryzae and FDA/PI stained leaf sheaths from infection assays -Whole plant and leaf sheath M. oryzae infection assays on finger millet, weeping lovegrass, and rice -Develop new markers based on CAPS and HRMCA assays for non-model crop -Optimize transient expression assays and regeneration of non-model crop -Organize and implement systems completely new to our lab including yeast two-hybrid screen Show less



The Miss America Organization

• Miss Collegiate Indy

  • Jan 2020 - Sep 2021

  Indianapolis, Indiana Area I advocate for agricultural literacy through my social impact initiative, "Become an Ag-Vocate." I will spend my year informing the general public about common misconceptions regarding agricultural practices while promoting women in STEM through my talents in science demonstration. The Miss America Organization is a leader in scholarship assistance for women and empowers them by developing their professional and communication skills.



500 Festival

• United States
• Entertainment
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Indianapolis 500 Festival Princess

  • Feb 2018 - Feb 2019

  Indianapolis, Indiana, United States I was selected as one of the 33 2018 500 Festival Princesses to be an ambassador of the 500 Festival and grow professionally. I taught students about the science behind Indy cars, engaged in professional development workshops, and developed my own outreach programs for the Charlottesville Lions Club, Golden Living nursing home, and multiple Girl Scout troops across northern Indiana.



Dow AgroSciences

• United States
• Biotechnology
• 700 & Above Employee

• Biochemistry and Biotechnology R&D Intern

  • May 2018 - Aug 2018

  Indianapolis, Indiana Area As an intern for the Input Trait Discovery group of Dow AgroSciences, I complete various projects revolving around protein purification and explore methods to optimize activity and separation. My overarching goal is to investigate the impact of heterologous expression on protein activity.



Purdue University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Biochemistry 309 Laboratory Teaching Assistant

  • Aug 2017 - May 2018

  West Lafayette, IN I assisted with teaching multiple sections of Biochemistry 309, in addition to holding office hours and grading student work. I strove to help students achieve success in their knowledge regarding biochemical concepts, in addition to gaining proficiency in using laboratory equipment and data calculations.



University of Warwick

• United Kingdom
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Archaeogenomics Research Intern

  • Mar 2018 - Mar 2018

  Coventry, United Kingdom My duties are to prepare aDNA samples from Old World cotton seeds for incubation, extract DNA and create libraries, and sequence while integrating bioinformatics concepts to better understand how changes in the cotton genome can be applied to enhance evolutionary understanding.

• Crop Protection Research and Development Intern

  • Jun 2017 - Sep 2017

  I visited numerous plots across IN assessing the success of pesticides, maintaining sprayer and laboratory equipment, preparing chemical solutions, spraying plots, as well as managing multiple insect trials to test the effectiveness of traits. Additionally, I assisted with many root dig projects, revolving around damage contributed to root worm presence. I designed my own research project which analyzed how time of spray affects herbicide damage in glufosinate- tolerant corn.

• Corn Breeding Intern

  • May 2016 - Aug 2016

  Fowler, IN During my internship, I managed pollination crews, gained experience with and knowledge regarding the double haploid corn breeding process, and traveled throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan to collect stand data. Additionally, I collected data regarding tassel morphology for a pollen production (correlated with the Tassel Area Index) QTL research project in male inbreds.

• Undergraduate Lab Assistant- Purdue University Agronomy Dept.

  • Oct 2015 - May 2016

  West Lafayette, IN Under Dr. Cliff Weil of the Purdue Agronomy Department, I have worked with thousands of samples of corn, millet, and sorghum. I conduct assays with sorghum, focusing on protein digestibility. Throughout my role, I have gained experience in using laboratory equipment and machinery (spectrometers, micropipettes, centrifuges, vortex, pH meter, etc), working with chemicals and solutions, collecting data through Excel, phenotyping, and understanding and applying genetics concepts to hands-on… Show more Under Dr. Cliff Weil of the Purdue Agronomy Department, I have worked with thousands of samples of corn, millet, and sorghum. I conduct assays with sorghum, focusing on protein digestibility. Throughout my role, I have gained experience in using laboratory equipment and machinery (spectrometers, micropipettes, centrifuges, vortex, pH meter, etc), working with chemicals and solutions, collecting data through Excel, phenotyping, and understanding and applying genetics concepts to hands-on laboratory experiments. Show less