My Journey
Believe it or not, I didn’t always know I wanted to be a scientist. In fact, I spent most of my life convinced I would be a musician or restoration artist. Growing up with two engineering parents, I was surrounded by technical explanations—my dad would take us to NASA and break down how the rocket engines worked—but I always thought I was “bad at math,” so a career in STEM felt out of reach.
I started college as an architecture major, mostly because my mom wouldn’t pay for an art degree. I thought architecture would let me draw by hand, but I quickly learned that online programs like AutoCAD weren’t exactly the sketchbook I had imagined. Luckily, my first semester also included College Physics I and Calculus I. Suddenly, everything clicked. Physics gave calculus a purpose, and my incredible physics professor reignited a childlike curiosity I didn’t even realize I had been missing.
Halfway through that semester, I made a leap of faith and changed my major to physics. It felt like discovering a hidden superpower—one that had been there all along, just waiting for the right spark. I’ve never looked back.
What I do
I’m currently finishing up my bachelor’s degree and working on an interdisciplinary senior honors thesis that bridges genetics and physics. I work in the UH Sequencing Gene Editing Core, where my research focuses on investigating cancer-driving genetic fusions present in pancreatic cancer. My project aims to discover immunogenic neoepitopes to design a groundbreaking mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer treatment.
To add another layer of discovery, I’m also using AlphaFold to study the structural behavior of these fusion proteins. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to combine my love of physics with the complexity of genetics, contributing to a potential new avenue for cancer treatment.
Beyond The Lab
My curiosity and passion for science extend far beyond my own research. I’m the Outreach Coordinator for the Society of Physics Students (SPS) and the Treasurer of the Astronomy Society at the University of Houston (ASUH). As a College of Natural Science and Mathematics Student Leader, I love connecting with students through recruitment, social media, and mentorship. Science outreach is close to my heart, and I’m always looking for opportunities to share the wonder of physics with my community.
I also volunteer within the Houston community, finding joy in giving back and learning from the incredible people around me. When I’m not in the lab or on campus, you might catch me chasing an adrenaline rush—yes, I’ve gone skydiving! I love spending time with my cats and my loved ones, indulging in cozy movie nights, spending time in the great outdoors, or getting lost in a good book.
Why This Blog
I created this blog as a space to share my research, my thoughts, and the delightful (and sometimes chaotic) process of discovery. My goal is to make complex scientific concepts accessible, engaging, and maybe even a little bit fun. You’ll find a mix of research highlights, behind-the-scenes glimpses into lab life, and explorations of the quirky connections between physics and biology.
Let’s Connect
I’d love for this blog to be a space for conversation as much as it is for sharing my work. If you’re a fellow science enthusiast, a curious mind, or just someone who loves a good pun, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s explore the wonders of the universe together—one blog post at a time!