My fascination with Biology began at an early age and I have always taken an interest in the animal kingdom. This interest has been developed through my experience raising and taking care of animals. I have raised praying mantises and rats, rescued an orphan baby opossum, and fostered dogs for my local animal shelter.
While I performed well in high school biology, studying at university has confirmed my desire to understand animal biology in greater detail. I studied Neurophysiology and Molecular Biology at Whitworth University
My positive experiences with laboratory work have motivated me to pursue undergraduate research experiences. Recently, I produced a report analyzing 3 gene loci affecting wing and eye phenotypes in D. Melanogaster as well as analysis of relative fitnesses over the course of four months. This research was conducted as a term project in the Whitworth University genetics lab. It involved napping and phenotyping flies, and conducting a chi-squared goodness-of-fit analysis to test a heritability hypothesis. It also became necessary to conduct a linkage study to reach a final conclusion. My time on this project has taught me the necessity of analytical thinking, persistence and attention to detail when it comes to designing, running, and analyzing the results of a study, as well as the basic methodology involved in constructing and testing a hypothesis. Outside of the biological sciences, I have conducted research for Whitworth University’s vice president of facilities to explore options available to address growing demand for water. This was part of an honors community research seminar.
My previous work experience includes teaching assistantships for General Biology Lab where I organized and helped students conduct lab procedures. I am also employed by the biology department to keep the university's labs properly maintained and stocked. During my freshman and sophomore summers I took classes and worked at SOHO Prospecting in Camarillo, CA performing software installations, configuration, and maintenance. Balancing summer classes while working in this environment taught me time-management, the importance of consistency, and stringent adherence to deadlines.
I am hard-working, persistent and determined with high academic ability and ambition. I am curious about the world around me and enjoy researching topics of interest. I have initiative and can work independently and reliably on my own, but I enjoy being part of a team collaborating with peers, colleagues and mentors. I devote myself fully to everything I have chosen to accomplish.