What do you consider your hometown?
My father served in the Army, so I had the opportunity to live all over the United States during my childhood. I was raised in Leesville, LA until I was 12, then moved to Bonney Lake, WA, where I lived from ages 12 to 15. After that, I relocated to Colorado Springs and Aurora, CO, where I completed high school. While I consider Leesville, LA to be my hometown, the other places I lived also had a significant impact on shaping who I am today.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree?
I received a B.S. in neuroscience and a secondary degree in chemistry from Baylor University, where I was a McNair scholar. I am now pursuing my Ph.D. in neuroscience, and I am a GEM Fellow and a Dartmouth Leader in Biomedical Research (DLBR) scholar.
What is your program at Dartmouth? What drew you to this area of study?
I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in integrative neuroscience at Dartmouth (IND). My passion for neuroscience was sparked during the summer before my senior year of high school. At the time, my father was stationed in Germany, and my mother needed me to drive her to a neurology appointment after school. During the appointment, the clinician shared the results of recent tests, which indicated that my mother was coming out of remission for multiple sclerosis. This was the first time I learned that my mother had a neurological disorder, as my parents had kept it hidden from me until that point. My mother, unaware that she was beginning to flare up, was caught off guard by the clinician's conversation in front of me.
This moment prompted me to begin researching multiple sclerosis and the ongoing scientific efforts to develop treatments. It was my first real exposure to neuroscience and research in the field, and it ignited a deep interest in understanding neurological disorders and advancing treatments. This experience ultimately shaped my decision to pursue a career in neuroscience.
Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?
I chose Dartmouth for the IND program after applying to neuroscience and chemistry programs across the United States. I was determined to pursue translational research related to disease, but many programs did not have multiple labs focused on this area. IND stood out because it offers multiple faculty members conducting research in my field of interest, providing a rich environment for collaboration and growth. In addition to the strong academic opportunities, Dartmouth is my ideal school.
Growing up in a small rural town, Dartmouth's close-knit and supportive environment reminded me of home. The institution is academically rigorous, yet it fosters a sense of community. Every day, I find myself learning something new, and whenever I encounter challenges, there is always someone there to offer guidance. This balance of academic excellence and support makes Dartmouth the perfect place for me to thrive.
What is your area of research? Can you share a story or experience that sparked your passion for this topic?
I am a member of Dr. Kelli Pointer's lab, and my project involves investigating radiation resistance in glioblastoma. As part of our department's first-year student breakfast meetings, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Pointer and learn about her work. I was immediately drawn to the translational nature of her research. It was inspiring to see how her lab addresses clinically relevant challenges, with the ultimate goal of taking findings from the bench to the bedside. This focus on translational research made me eager to join her lab for a rotation.
Once I joined, I chose to pursue a project with a strong translational component. As I spent more time collecting data, designing experiments, and reviewing literature my passion for the research deepened. On Dr. Pointer's clinic days, I shadow her in the radiation oncology clinic. Meeting her patients and observing her work as a physician left a profound impact on me. Hearing the patients' stories and witnessing their struggles reaffirmed the importance of the research I am conducting. It was clear that the work we do in the lab could ultimately benefit these patients.
This experience has been a major source of motivation for me. It has also reshaped the way I approach my experiments, encouraging me to ensure that every aspect of my work is clinically relevant. I am no longer solely focused on completing my Ph.D.; my research is now driven by the desire to make a meaningful contribution to the field, with the hope of improving patient outcomes and extending lives.
What has been the most surprising or rewarding part of your research journey so far?
I was surprised by the amount of collaboration and support at Dartmouth. I was working on developing an experimental approach to a hypothesis and there were certain techniques that would be best suited for my question. The techniques I wanted to use are not used in my lab and I do not have any previous experience performing them.
I was able to talk to different faculty that I have met since starting my Ph.D., and a number of them have volunteered to teach me the techniques that they knew. It was unexpected, but very welcomed. I am thankful for the level of support I have seen as a graduate student.
Looking back on your journey, what is one challenge or turning point that shaped the person and scholar you are today?
I grew up in a rural town in Louisiana, where few individuals graduated from high school, and even fewer pursued higher education. When I moved to other states, I struggled with self-confidence, as many teachers and peers expected only the bare minimum from me upon learning of my background. Despite this, I remained determined to give my best in both academics and extracurricular activities.
In college, I began to challenge this mindset as I assumed leadership roles that demanded confidence in my actions and decisions. During my academic journey, I received invaluable advice from the assistant director of the McNair Scholars Program at Baylor University. His advice was to always apply for opportunities, even if I did not feel like the most qualified candidate. It is better to apply and be rejected than to never give yourself the opportunity to succeed.
This advice was a pivotal moment in my academic career. By following it, I was fortunate to participate in exceptional programs, scholarships, and fellowships that have shaped my path. If I had not embraced this advice, I would not be where I am today.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
I dedicate much of my free time to volunteering, with one of my favorite opportunities being with a local fire department. I serve as a volunteer firefighter for the town of Lyme, which operates as a 100% volunteer department. During my first year at Dartmouth, I completed the NH Fire & EMS Academy's Firefighter 1 course to earn my certification, and I have been a certified firefighter since December 2023. I've thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the role, from responding to emergencies to attending mutual aid calls.
This year, I made the decision to increase my commitment to serving local communities. I am currently working toward my EMT-B certification and preparing to take the national registry exam later this year. Volunteering has always been a significant part of my life, and I'm constantly seeking new ways to give back and make a positive impact on the communities I'm part of.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
My advice to incoming students is to find a passion outside of academics. For me, volunteering is a great way to de-stress and stay grounded. It's important to find a hobby that is easily accessible and allows you to unwind. Graduate school can be challenging, but it's manageable with the right balance. Having hobbies and building friendships are essential for creating a support system.
What is your favorite place or activity that you like best in the Hanover area?
During the summer, I enjoy spending time at Trues Brook Natural Area. This peaceful spot is surrounded by lush greenery, flowing water, bouldering surfaces, and sunny areas perfect for relaxing. I find it incredibly calming to listen to the sound of the moving water and soak up the sun. All of my stress melts away when I'm there. While it's a popular destination and can sometimes get crowded, I see that as an opportunity to meet new people and make more friends.
