I am interested in understanding how biological systems respond to mechanical forces (mechanobiology), with the goal of leveraging this understanding to address problems related to human health and novel materials engineering. My research experience includes using fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, laser tweezers, and molecular biology methodologies to study and engineer the mechanical properties of proteins.
As an undergraduate student, under the guidance of Dr. Makis Petratos and Dr. Mina Katramatou, I ran Monte Carlo Simulations to study the paths of particles through the Jlab Hall A magnetic spectrometer. I also developed an interest in protein biophysics while running molecular dynamics simulations under the guidance of Dr. John Portman.
As a graduate student, I studied the mechanical properties of fibrin fibers under the guidance of Dr. Richard Superfine and Dr. Michael R. Falvo. We showed that fibrin fibers are elastic, and that their elasticity plays important roles in blood clot strength and function.
I did a postdoc with Timothy A. Springer where I learned molecular biology, biochemistry, protein engineering, and single molecule biophysics techniques while studying the adhesive properties of integrins and Von Willebrand factor.
I am grateful for the mentorship provided by all of my instructors and look to provide a similar experience for every student that comes into my lab.
When I'm not in lab, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching sports, playing board games, coaching a lego robotics team, teaching at my church, and contemplating philosophical and theological questions. I also serve on the board of the East Carolina Study Center.