Hobbies: Hiking, Reading, Lifting, and Baking
Quote: "Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you." – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Travel Spot: Hà Giang, Vietnam
Chips: White Cheddar Popcorners
What are you passionate about?
I want to encourage students in STEM not only to take pride in representing the field, but to remember that this accomplishment alone does not define us. We can be brilliant scientists and inspired artists and great leaders –embrace all your potential and never let yourself be limited by a box.
What personal accomplishment are you most proud of?
I'm most proud of a solo road trip I took across the country when I moved from Massachusetts to Sacramento. Over one month, I camped in Badlands, Yellowstone, Tetons, and Glacier National Park, hiking up to 28 miles per day. It was incredibly physically and mentally challenging, but it was one of the best things I've ever done.
Tell us more about your job.
As a PhD student, I spend most of my time on research. My dissertation is focused on designing and testing the feasibility of a new, environmentally responsible mosquito control strategy. Our goal is to reduce the transmission of West Nile Virus, a potentially fatal pathogen carried by mosquitoes. I also consult part-time as a veterinary pathologist. This is a job that requires a doctorate in veterinary medicine, a three-year residency in pathology, and board certification. It's my responsibility to identify and diagnose disease in animals, and to advise other veterinarians and scientists on how to manage or prevent the condition.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about your favorite furry friends…
My husband and I have two wonderful rescue pups, Pepper and Panko. We have a tradition in our family of naming pets with the letter P, so we've had Pooh, Pumba, Pancake and now these cuties. We love taking them hiking and giving them all the belly rubs!
Who or what inspires you?
My grandmother is my inspiration. She is one of the sharpest and wittiest humans I know, but as a young woman she wasn't permitted to pursue her goal of becoming a doctor. I remind myself whenever I get stressed by my work that I'm living her dream, and I owe it to her to savor every moment and always be grateful for the opportunities I've been given. She won her battle against cancer several years ago and is now fighting Alzheimer's disease with all her might. When I dance, I think of channeling her strength and love of life.
What impact do cheerleaders have during a game and/or in the community?
I've always felt that cheerleaders have three jobs on the field: to entertain, to encourage, and to inspire. Entertainment is what brought most of us to dance – we love to perform, and we want that love to be infectious! The players might need a break, but the crowd deserves a show, and we provide that, never letting the excitement of a game reach a lull. Encouragement is a natural part of the job description as a cheerleader, and it's one of my favorites: we bring up the energy and rally the fans to build momentum for our team. Leading that wave of solidarity across the stadium and being the medium through which the crowd can express its appreciation for the players is such a unique and special role. Finally, inspiration. There are so many young girls and boys in the crowd that love the game and want to be on the field, and when they see us they realize they can get there. The best part of a game is looking up, finding a child shaking their pom poms and knowing that we are helping to spark a new dream in that very moment.
Who is a woman in sports that inspires you?
I've admired Simone Biles for her undeniable skill since watching her compete in the 2016 Olympics, but my respect for her has grown exponentially since her withdrawal during the 2020 Olympics. The courage she demonstrated in making the decision not only to withdraw, but also to discuss her mental health openly is rare and inspiring. Athletes are frequently expected to represent perfection and I fear that it discourages or precludes promising individuals from investing in their talents. We need more emphasis on other kinds of strength that are valuable in sports (including dance) like resiliency and self-awareness that allow athletes to perform safely at their best. I think Biles is a leader in this growing revolution in the sports world, and I'm excited to see what she's capable of next.
