About
My research focus in the graduate program in the anthropology department is human population genetics. More specifically, I am interested in the ways that patterns in the human genetic code reflects past population movements and selection events. My research topic for my thesis focuses on the distribution of variation across global populations in a gene related to cell signaling and an adjacent immune gene family on human chromosome 1. I worked with Dr. Tillquist in the Molecular Anthropology Population Studies lab during my undergrad years and continued to do research under his guidance for my master's degree. After I complete my thesis and master's degree in anthropology, I plan to begin the PhD program in the biology department at UofL under the guidance of Dr. Michael Perlin.
I have received the Dean's Citation Award for my 2017 graduate school commencement ceremony. The award recognizes accomplishments, such as research presentation and teaching service, in graduate school beyond academic excellence. I am a member of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, where I have presented several posters throughout my undergraduate and graduate career. In addition, I have taught a reading comprehension course on behalf of the REACH program (Resources for Academic Achievement) for the past three and a half years.