Research Interest

My research bridges genetics and neuroscience. I care about the genetic basis of complex behaviors and  focus on traits related to substance use and neurodevelopment. I am interested in how many small genetic effects combine to influence behavior and how these effects are mediated by gene regulation and systems of neurodevelopment. With my research, I aim to connect genetic variation to the vast heterogeneity we see across behaviors in humans and model organisms. To accomplish this, I use both human data and rodent modeling. Currently, I work with Heterogeneous Stock rats, which are an outbred population that has high genetic and phenotypic variation. Working with this population allows us to conduct genome-wide association studies for multiple behaviors related to substance use disorders. We have studied drug self-administration behaviors for multiple drugs of abuse, as well as relevant neuropsychiatric behaviors such as impulsivity and delay discounting, where smaller, immediate rewards are preferred over larger, but delayed rewards. These rats are well suited to studying complex behaviors, while also allowing access to brain tissue for molecular and cellular analyses. In the future, I would like to continue this work and build an independent research program that combines quantitative genetics with functional genomic approaches to study behavior. I am interested in integrative analyses that link genetic variation and gene expression across development, as well as cross-species analyses that give insight into the shared genetic architecture of behavior. 

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most? 

I am very interested in a career that combines rigorous research and service to the broader scientific community. My primary research focus lies at the intersection of complex neurobehavioral traits and genetics, particularly how genetic variation shapes behavior and disease risk. When thinking about my career, I often have multiple goals and aspirations that do not often fit into one career path. I am drawn to the innovation of computational methods in biology, and to communities like the Genetics Society of America (GSA) that support collaborative, interdisciplinary work. I am currently on an academic career path, which allows me to participate in professional societies, mentor trainees, write grants, and help shape how genetics research is conducted and communicated. Being a postdoc has also afforded me the opportunity to continue learning new skills in the lab. I have the chance to go to conferences, journal clubs, workshops, and seminars. By staying embedded in this environment, my own scientific questions and ideas can mature and grow. The fields of both neuroscience and genetics continue to evolve and change, with large scale data more readily available. As a researcher at this intersection, I aim to thoughtfully integrate quantitative methods with biological insight. I want to be a scientist conducting the work, and I want to have a career that also includes advocacy and policy work, and scientific communication and outreach. Ultimately, the path that interests me the most is the one where I can balance science and service. 

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise? 

My research is intrinsically linked to the important work I want to accomplish in this lifetime. The world of genetics and neuroscience is complex; interpretation is often difficult and the consequences of overgeneralizations are real. I help generate data, but a critical part of science is how it is shared and who is included. In this way, my research is inseparable from service. I want to advance the scientific enterprise by lowering the barriers to participation in research. Access to training programs, education, mentorship, and informal knowledge increasingly determines who is able to contribute and benefit from research. I aim to be a point of access for students and trainees who may not otherwise have clear entry points into statistical genetics or computationally heavy fields. Small changes to the way we do science and build labs can shape how we attract a new generation of innovative scientific leaders and thinkers. I want to contribute to a genetics community that would help rebuild public trust, communicate effectively about biomedical research, and reflect the breadth of people this work is ultimately trying to benefit.  

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish? 

As a member and leader within GSA, I hope to continue building a supportive community for scientists at all career stages, especially trainees. GSA plays an important role in uniting genetics researchers across model systems and career paths, and I am excited by the chance to help strengthen these connections. Early career scientists need opportunities for networking, professional development, and mentorship. I want to help enhance programs that provide guidance on career options, funding pathways, and skill development, while also creating space where trainees feel valued and encouraged. GSA is also uniquely positioned to advocate for science by fostering thoughtful dialogue around emerging challenges in genetics and science generally. The responsible interpretation of genetics research, ethical use of genomic data, and concerns surrounding representation in research all require sensitive and deep consideration. I intend to lead through example by modeling open discussion and thoughtful scientific engagement. I want to help create conditions in which others can participate fully, ask difficult questions, and grow as researchers. This strongly motivates my goal to increase opportunities for trainees within GSA and beyond. Helping early career scientists like myself be active members of the community, rather than observers, strengthens the field as a whole. As genetics research increasingly intersects with public discourse, I want to be a trusted voice and contribute to efforts that communicate research effectively, and defend the value of fundamental research.

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