I saw how instrumental engineering methods were to creating cost-effective, novel scientific studies and wanted to apply those methods to my own research. I had an amazing experience at UC Davis as an undergraduate anthropology major, so I knew I wanted to return to Davis for my doctoral program.
I was inspired to study engineering, specifically chemical and biomolecular engineering, after seeing how much the field related to my childhood hobby of designing and constructing structures from toy components. In my field, biomolecules like DNA and proteins are engineered to build unique biological systems for health and energy purposes (i.e., pharmaceuticals, biofuels, biomaterials and specialty chemicals).
I love being able to combine the fields of public health and transportation engineering to identify different ways that planners and policymakers can improve the health and safety of communities. I also love that I am constantly learning, and I feel so fortunate to be learning from not only my course work, professors, and adviser, but also from my colleagues.
I was quickly enticed by materials science, which I sometimes describe as a junction of physics, chemistry, math, and art, when I took the Introduction to Material Properties course at my community college and was introduced to crystallography, phase diagrams and the materials tetrahedron.
I love the beauty of engineering. It's a bridge between science and real application. I liked physics and chemistry in high school, especially the lab classes, so I decided to study materials science and engineering after I learned that it’s a major that deals with both physical and chemical properties.
I absolutely love working with my hands and the satisfaction that comes from seeing tangible results. I have always found great joy in solving puzzles and overcoming challenges. I am thrilled to be on this journey and grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to pursue my dreams.
My research aims to improve the production of energy from biological waste products, diverting waste from landfills and producing a sustainable form of energy. I use enzymes produced by fungi to break down the main component of plant biomass, cellulose, into fermentable sugars.
I have always been a curious person, and I enjoy understanding how things work. This curiosity led me to pursue engineering. I love chemistry, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors. Therefore, environmental engineering seemed like the perfect field to combine my passions and skills.
I was inspired to study engineering by my high school calculus teacher, who recognized my knack for problem-solving and suggested I look into the field when applying to colleges. I was also very interested in medicine and pharmacology, which led me to apply for biomedical engineering (BME) programs to get a blend of the engineering mindset with the medical aspects and applications.
I am currently doing research on characterizing cancerous tissue within the THz band (between the microwave and infrared spectrums) to help identify the presence of cancer within the body through a simple and painless saliva sample. I love applying my interests in physics and photonics to help identify a very real problem that we all have been impacted by one way or another.
