Beyond the Bench
In addition to my research in Microbiology, I've participated in several professional programs that have helped me view science from many different perspectives. I've had the opportunity to explore pedagogy, develop myself as a leader, and improve my communication skills under the guidance of experienced professors.
Graduate Teaching Fellows &
Reflective and Effective Teaching
Teaching Certificate Program and Fellowship through Northwestern's Searle Center
2025-2027
My commitment to teaching has been strengthened through Northwestern University's Reflective & Effective Teaching (RET) program, a year-long professional development experience focused on evidence-based, student-centered instruction. Through seminars, workshops, faculty mentorship, and collaboration with peers across disciplines, I have explored the scholarship of teaching and learning while developing my own approach to fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments.
As part of the program, I have created teaching artifacts including a teaching philosophy statement, course materials, assessments, and a course design project/ePortfolio. These experiences have helped me refine my instructional practices, align learning objectives with assessment strategies, and thoughtfully design courses that support student learning and success. The RET program has reinforced my belief that effective teaching requires continual reflection, intentional course design, and a commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Kids Inspired Innovations in Clinical Science
Program in collaboration with Lurie Children's Hospital focused on translational research and clinical shadowing
October 2025 - May 2026
Through the KIICS program, I gained firsthand exposure to pediatric clinical care and the ways physicians approach complex and unfamiliar cases. Spending time on clinical rounds and at case conferences gave me a new perspective on how research questions intersect with patient care and helped me think more critically about how laboratory science can inform clinical understanding. The experience also strengthened my interest in working across the bench-to-bedside divide and communicating scientific ideas with people outside of my immediate research field.
LSMSA STEMrichment
Teaching Assistant
May 2022
As a STEMrichment Teaching Assistant at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, I mentored incoming high school students as they transitioned into a rigorous STEM-focused academic environment. I led small-group sessions on foundational math and science study skills, helped students navigate the academic culture and expectations of the school, and supported them as they built confidence in their new environment. This experience strengthened my interest in working with students early in their academic journeys and helping them develop the skills and confidence to succeed in science.
Science Communication Course
Winter Quarter 2023
As part of Northwestern’s Medill Media and Science Communication program, I developed practical skills for communicating scientific research to audiences beyond academia. The course emphasized translating complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging narratives while considering the needs, interests, and media literacy of different audiences. Through writing and communication projects, I practiced adapting scientific information for public-facing formats and gained a stronger understanding of how scientists can effectively engage with journalists, media, and the broader public.
Detect Fake News
Site Design and Research
May 2019 - November 2022
I have worked as a Political Communication researcher under Professor Len Apcar since 2019. With Dr. Apcar, I have designed and developed the website 'Detect Fake News,' which aims to serve as a resource for citizens and educators to learn about media literacy. My research focused on the potential and actual impacts of "fake news" on the 2020 election, as well as fake news' impacts on the coronavirus pandemic response.
LSU Feature Writing
Magazine and Website
May 2021
I designed a magazine and website for Professor Len Apcar's Feature Writing course. This magazine features personal narrative journalism written by Manship School of Mass Communication students at LSU. This project utilized my skills in Adobe Creative Suite, along with web design using Wix.