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.
