About Me
I am a biologist studying the function, origins, and evolution of sensory systems, with an emphasis on chemical sensing, temperature sensing, and pain.
My research is multidisciplinary, incorporating techniques in genetics, molecular and cell biology, animal behavior and behavioral ecology, and bioinformatics.
I presently work as a Human Frontier Science Program postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Richard Benton, at the University of Lausanne. My current projects seek to understand the function and evolutionary history of cryptic sensory receptors (e.g., non-canonical 7TMICs).
Positions, Training, and Education
- Postdoc | Benton Lab | Center for Integrative Genomics | UNIL | 2022-
- PhD | Cox Lab | Neuroscience | Georgia State University | 2015-2021
- Technician | Blount Lab | Physiology | Emory | 2013-2015
- BS | Biology | University of Florida | 2011-2013
- AA | Biology | Santa Fe College | 2008-2011
Fellowships
- 2022-2025 | Human Frontier Science Program Long-Term Fellowship
- 2020-2022 | Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award
- 2017-2020 | Kenneth W. and Georganne F. Honeycutt Fellowship
- 2017-2022 | GSU Brains & Behavior Fellowship
Awards
- 2021 | GSU Writing Across the Curriculum Pedagogy Award
- 2020 | Neuroscience Institute Outstanding Doctoral Scholar
- 2019 | Neuroscience Institute Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor
- 2015 & 2016 | APS Meritorious Research Award