Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI 

 

Major/Track: Biophysics - Structural Biology Track

 

Campus Organizations: 

Biophysics Club, United2Heal Volunteering Organization, Bioethics Club, Mortar Board Honor Society

 

What inspired you to major in Biophysics? 

I have always had a quantitative mind. I enjoy using mathematical and physical models to describe processes, especially the biology of the human body. I began work in an electrical signaling lab at the cardiovascular center my Freshman year which I fell in love with. I as well do cardiac imaging, specifically MRI and PET. These interests of mine are subspecialties in the biophysics field which has led me to major in it.

 

Have you participated in an internship or a research experience?

Last summer I was at Dominos Farms doing a research internship that continued my research in the cardiovascular field. I studied a rare cardiac disease called cardiac sarcoidosis and I examined how to diagnose this disease in an effective way. This included analyzing cardiac MRI and cardiac PET scans of the patients I dealt with. I also got to be involved with any procedures the patients had which included cardiac ablations where high frequency energy is applied to cardiac tissue to reroute the electrical system of the heart. I began research my freshman year and have continued it ever since.

 

What advice would you give to students considering a major in Biophysics at the University of Michigan?

I would give the advice to take advantage of all the department has to offer. This major includes curriculum from many areas of interest including mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics which all culminate together. Renewed faculty are available to do research with and connect with, as well as small classrooms to get to know your classmates. If you are a person that enjoys the scientific process and wants to apply it to biological systems, then Biophysics is the major for you.

 

 

What do you hope to do after graduating from Michigan?

I hope to pursue medical school where I will continue research in electrical signaling of cardiac tissue. I want to specialize in cardiac electrophysiology.

 

What is your favorite place on campus? 

My favorite place on campus is the Duderstadt Library on north campus. It is a hidden gem to those who live on central campus. It allows me to escape the hustle and bustle of central and enjoy a quieter atmosphere to get work done and meet for study groups.

 

Exciting news! 

This past summer, I published in Nature about reusing cardiac pacemakers in developing countries. I also have an accepted abstract to HeartRhythm about immunosuppression therapy in cardiac sarcoidosis. I'm currently working on an imaging paper in combining cardiac PET and MRI in diagnosing cardiac sarcoidosis, this will be submitted to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. I also can interpret electrocardiograms (ECGs) and have given a lecture to interns at the hospital on the technique of this.