I am a graduate of Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering, and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Master's in bioengineering. Stemming from my strong childhood interest in biology, I have worked for years in research labs focused on neurology. Writing, editing, and publishing, both research papers as part of lab work and pieces intended for lay audiences, has deepened my appreciation for the importance of excellence in writing - and not just in science. My study of Teaching as Research enabled me to excel as a graduate-level teaching assistant, where I enjoyed one-on-one time with students to help them refine their drafts into carefully-crafted academic papers. I think it is important to understand, to impart upon students, that knowledge is not just about facts; it is about seeing how individual pieces of information fit into larger frameworks, how those frameworks repeat across different fields of study, and how systemic thinking underlies mastery of any subject. In my off time, I volunteer at the Maryland Zoo, and enjoy reading, writing, long walks, and disc golf.