I’m a hybrid computational/experimental biologist fascinated by how aberrant transcription and RNA processing rewire cell states in cancer. My research career has centered on understanding the intricate mechanisms through which the human genome encodes, regulates, and diversifies gene expression programs. As a postdoc, I discovered widespread functional divergence among alternative isoforms of transcription factors, which are commonly misregulated in cancer. Recently, I found out I have a pathogenic BRCA2 mutation, which has motivated me to focus my research more directly on breast and ovarian cancer. My research will continue to address the central question: how do isoforms contribute to cancer, and can they be exploited as diagnostics and therapeutics? I also hope to continue to work towards making science and academia more inclusive environments for women and minoritized individuals. Other loves: reading for pleasure (primarily fiction!), crossword puzzles, reality television (no, I’m not ashamed), and cats.
Currently
I am a K99/R00 funded postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Martha Bulyk’s lab at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. My current work focuses on understanding the functional effects different transcription factor isoforms may have on gene regulatory networks—and how aberrant expression of TF isoforms may be associated with complex diseases like cancer. I am using a number of tools to address this question: exogenous assays of TF function (see my most recent publication), long read RNA-sequencing, and RNA-targeting CRISPR systems (stay tuned)! While I was strictly computational during my Ph.D., I have pivoted to be 50/50 computational/experimental during my postdoc, and really value the hybrid approach.
Previously
I received my Ph.D. in Biological & Biomedical Sciences from Harvard University in November 2019. My Ph.D. work focused on the high-throughput characterization of long non-coding RNA regulation, evolution, and function.
Prior to entering graduate school, I received my B.S. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University. Hoping to gain industry experience and bolster my technical skills, I then worked as an analyst at Google in their Product Quality Operations team, where I solidified my passion for data science and programming. After three years, I missed science and research, and decided to combine my passions and go to graduate school to study computational biology. I’m always happy to talk to any prospective students weighing the decision to leave an [unrelated] industry to acquire a Ph.D. — don’t hesitate to reach out!