I grew up in a small town in Maryland and obtained my degree in chemistry at the University of Maryland in College Park. Shortly after graduation, I moved to Houston to attend graduate school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. I obtained my Ph.D. degree in 2008 and have been doing research at MD Anderson Cancer Center since that time. I have always been interested in helping students master science and math. I tutored chemistry as an undergraduate and more recently have worked with high school students in a variety of math and science subjects. I always strive to set goals with the student and plan a path to meet those goals. Additionally, I always encourage students, especially young children, to be inquisitive and develop an interest in science. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a student have an "ah-ha" moment when the material makes sense to them. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering with a no-kill animal rescue in Houston and spending time with my family.