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Biography

Expected Graduation: 2026
Majors: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
Research Topic(s): Drug Susceptibility in Yeast Cells
Faculty Mentor Name and Department: Theodore White, Biological Sciences

When I first arrived at º£½ÇÂÛ̳, I was an exploratory student unsure of what to major in. I knew I was passionate about the sciences and eager to get involved on campus, but I didn’t have a clear direction. I remember walking through Roo Welcome, stopping by countless tables, and feeling overwhelmed—especially as I wrestled with imposter syndrome. The idea of participating in undergraduate research felt exciting but intimidating. As a freshman, I didn’t know where to begin, and I doubted whether I was qualified (though now I know that you shouldn’t be scared to take that first step).

I decided to wait until I felt more confident in my academic interests before pursuing research. That turning point came when I attended a “How to Contact a Faculty Mentor” session hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research. It helped demystify the process and gave me the confidence to take the next step. In the spring of my sophomore year, a close friend told me about an opportunity to join Dr. White’s lab studying drug susceptibility in fungal isolates. I toured the lab, applied, and was thrilled to be accepted.

Once I joined, I began learning the protocols and gradually found my footing as a contributing member of the team. Our lab focuses on characterizing the drug susceptibility of yeast isolates, particularly Malassezia pachydermatis, and investigating the mechanisms behind resistance. Currently, we’re working on gene alignments related to the drug classes we’ve tested, and we’re quantifying gene expression levels across isolates to build a more holistic understanding of resistance patterns.

Participating in undergraduate research has been transformative. It’s allowed me to connect classroom concepts to real-world applications and deepened my understanding of the scientific process. I’ve also grown as a communicator, presenting my work at undergraduate symposiums and learning to engage with audiences across a range of scientific backgrounds.

As I enter my final year, I’m preparing to apply to postgraduate programs with the goal of becoming an academic researcher. This journey has not only shaped my career aspirations but also affirmed my passion for discovery, collaboration, and scientific outreach.