About

About Me

I am a Goldwater Scholar and Beckman Scholar pursuing a B.A. in Molecular Biology with a minor in Mathematics at Pomona College. My academic interests lie at the intersection of cancer immunology, biophysics, and quantitative biology, where I am fascinated by how molecular interactions govern cellular behavior.

I am originally from Denver, Colorado, and I grew up in a large family with three older sisters who have been some of my greatest role models. Their encouragement helped cultivate my curiosity and drive to pursue scientific research. Since arriving at Pomona in 2023, I have sought opportunities to combine rigorous experimentation with quantitative analysis to better understand biological systems and contribute to translational research.

Research

My research experiences span biomaterials, biophysics, and cancer immunology. In the laboratory of Dr. Malkiat Johal at Pomona College, I investigate biomolecular interactions using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). My projects have focused on understanding binding mechanisms and developing quantitative approaches to characterize complex molecular systems, contributing to multiple publications and ongoing studies.

In the summer of 2025, I joined Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where I trained in immuno-oncology and adoptive cell therapy research. There, I helped engineer and evaluate neoantigen-specific TCR-T cells using techniques including flow cytometry, ELISA, IncuCyte live-cell imaging, and mammalian cell culture. My work examined strategies such as IL-18 armoring and CD8 co-receptor expression to enhance anti-tumor activity, with projects progressing toward in vivo evaluation.

Across these experiences, I have become particularly interested in understanding how molecular recognition and cellular signaling can be leveraged to develop more effective cancer immunotherapies.

For additional details about my projects, publications, and presentations, please visit my Research Projects page.

Teaching and Mentorship

One of the most rewarding parts of my undergraduate experience has been supporting other students in STEM. At Pomona, I have served as a course mentor for Organic Chemistry I and II, General Chemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Genomics & Transcriptomics. Through these roles, I have helped students develop scientific reasoning skills, build confidence in challenging courses, and navigate their own scientific journeys.

Beyond Science

Outside the laboratory, I enjoy exploring new technical skills and creative pursuits. I am particularly interested in data science and scientific computing, and I enjoy building analytical tools and visualizations that complement my research. I am also passionate about language learning and regularly study Spanish and Portuguese.

When I’m not working on research or coursework, you can usually find me reading, crafting, experimenting with new programming projects, or planning my next adventure.