past

My foundational research journey began at Kent State University, where as an Honors Thesis Student under Dr. Gemma Casadesus, I delved into neuroendocrinology and Alzheimer’s disease. There, I honed my expertise in cellular localization techniques and bioinformatics, producing a comprehensive atlas to understand the brain’s production and distribution of Luteinizing Hormone, which laid the groundwork for ongoing research in the lab.

At Washington University in St. Louis, I worked with Dr. Todd Braver to unpack the heredity of neural activation patterns underlying cognitive control through human fMRI studies, which culminated in a published paper in Cerebral Cortex and provided insights into the neural underpinnings of schizophrenia.

My curiosity regarding neurological disorders led me to the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where I spent a summer immersed in neuroimmunology. Under Dr. Beth Stevens, I explored the role of the schizophrenia risk gene Csmd1 in synaptic pruning, employing immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy to reveal its impact on cortical development.

future

At the moment, my hope is to lead my own research group in academia. Right now, some areas that I’m excited about include:

Post-Acute Neurological Sequelae after Viral/Bacterial Infection

Our understanding of the long-term neurological effects following viral and bacterial infections is still in its infancy. The recent pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to unravel these complexities. I am particularly captivated by:

• Mononucleosis and Neurological Impacts: Caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), mononucleosis has been linked to a range of neurological complications. I would be interested in investigating the less understood long-term sequelae that may persist or emerge well after the acute phase of the infection has subsided.

• Lyme Disease and Chronic Manifestations: The tick-borne bacterium responsible for Lyme disease can lead to neuroborreliosis, affecting the nervous system. I' am curious to delve into the chronic neurological manifestations that some patients experience, even after treatment.

• Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: The emergence of COVID-19 has introduced a spectrum of post-acute sequelae affecting the nervous system, colloquially known as "long COVID." As many are, I am inspired to understand the persistent neurological symptoms and their impact on the quality of life, hoping to contribute to better management and therapeutic strategies.

• Endemic Viruses and the Brain: Viruses like Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) have been dwelling amongst us for centuries. Yet, their long-term effects on the brain remain elusive. I am curious about how these endemic viruses might alter neural pathways or contribute to neurodegenerative diseases over time.

Psychedelic Compounds and Their Therapeutic Utility

Once the subjects of taboo and controversy, psychedelic compounds are re-emerging as potential therapeutic agents:

• Understanding Psychedelic Mechanisms: I am drawn to exploring how substances such as psilocybin and LSD interact with the brain to produce their profound effects, both acute and enduring.

• Psychedelics in Mental Health: With growing evidence of their efficacy in treating conditions such as depression, PTSD, and addiction, I am excited about therapeutic potential of psychedelics, advocating for rigorous scientific evaluation and ethical integration into medical practice.

Maternal-Fetal Transmission of Medication and Effects on Development

The delicate interplay between maternal medication and fetal development is a pivotal area of study:

• Transplacental Drug Transfer: I am intrigued by how drugs administered during pregnancy traverse the placental barrier, potentially influencing fetal neurodevelopment.

• Longitudinal Outcomes Post-Exposure: There is a vital need for comprehensive studies into the long-term developmental outcomes of children exposed to various medications in utero. My goal would be to contribute to a body of work that informs safer prescribing practices for pregnant individuals and mitigates risks to the developing fetus.