I am a research assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at UIHC and have a primary research focus on the study of iron metabolic functions in cancer progression and therapy responses. I am a first-generation college student originally from Youngstown, OH. I received a bachelor of science degree in physics from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA; a master's of science in physics from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH; and a PhD in free radical and radiation biology from the University of Iowa. 

As a first-generation college student from a low-income region, I had first-hand experience with the challenges associated with navigating the difficult waters associated with academia, particularly in the realm of graduate studies and the transition(s) between fields of study. I understand the difficulties associated with traversing higher education, such pursing research opportunities and CV building, and I'm passionate about passing along lessons learned from my own personal experiences to the next generation of students.