I earned my bachelor's degree in Biology from Amherst College and my PhD in Biology
from MIT. My graduate worked focused on understanding the role of transcription factors
and signaling pathways in directing and determining fate of stem cells. I continue
that line of research at Louisiana Tech University looking at transcriptional complexes,
signaling pathways, and external environment to determine how various factors influence
human adult stem cell self-renewal and differentiation potential. My passion lies
not just in conducting research, but also in teaching others to be critical thinkers,
effective communicators, and supportive colleagues. To that end, I have a vibrant
lab of undergraduate and graduate students who work closely together to perform experiments,
present research at meetings, and train new students who enter the group.
In addition to teaching and research in the School of Biological Sciences, I am also
part of an interdisciplinary collaboration with the art department. This partnership
encourages faculty and students to think and communicate visually and offers students
the opportunity to combine their own passion for art and science. Visual Integration
of Science Through Art (VISTA) offers a educational experience to students and a resource
to faculty for the creation of images that effectively communicate critical methodologies
and results.
