Where are you from and what’s your previous training?
I am from Elk River, Minnesota (about 40 minutes north of the Twin Cities). I went to undergrad at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona, MN where I worked on the TBX2 transcription factor and its role in breast cancer. I also did a summer research internship at the University of Minnesota working on genetic drivers of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma which was a fantastic experience and solidified that I wanted to pursue a PhD in cancer research!
Why Madison and the Cancer Biology program?
I loved Madison from the first time I visited during recruitment. Going to undergrad in a small town showed me that I really wanted to go to graduate school somewhere with a lot more to do and Madison fit exactly what I was looking for. I love exploring new coffee shops or restaurants and enjoying the outdoors in the warmer months. Madison is honestly a wonderful spot to live and enjoy time outside of the lab no matter what your interests are! The Cancer Biology program was an easy decision for me after I visited. Recruitment weekend was welcoming, and the students seemed genuinely happy to be in Madison and in the program. In addition, the research fit was great, and I was able to identify multiple labs whose research I found interesting.
What is your favorite place/activity to hang out when you need to de-stress?
My favorite place to hang out to de-stress is the Memorial Union Terrace or the UW Arboretum. The terrace is a great spot to hang out after work and I run pretty frequently in the arboretum which is a great way to clear my head!
What is your home lab and what is your project focusing on?
I am in Pam Kreeger’s Lab. We focus on ovarian cancer metastasis through different model systems. My project in particular uses mouse models to recapitulate tumor microenvironment alterations and how these changes impact the metastatic process.
Any new advice for incoming students?
I have 2 pieces of advice for new students. 1: Find a community early that is supportive and helps you grow. I am grateful for my friends I have found in the cancer biology program and others I have gained along the way in Madison that have truly made my life so much easier and support me through everything a PhD has to offer. 2: Be confident in the skill set you gain. Going through a PhD is full of setbacks and redirections but relying on the fact that you have learned so much through the process is helpful in pushing your project forward.
What is one fun fact about you?
One fun fact about me is that I was a culinary management state champ in high school! We designed a restaurant and marketed it to local restauranteurs and got to go present our concept in Washington D.C. I’m now a massive foodie
and love to explore new restaurants.