professional JOURNEY
2021 - 2026
Leader: Curriculum Development
Genetic Science Learning Center
Engineering Solutions for Better Health
(NIH R25 Science Education Partnership Award)
This was my first chance to fully lead curriculum development for a large project! It involved five years of sticky notes, teacher co-design, storyboards, prototypes, classroom testing, and more masking tape than I'd like to admit (it makes surprisingly great tendons for student-built prosthetic hands). That work eventually became two free curriculum units: Genetic Tech Investigations for high school and Bioengineering for middle school.
2024 - 2026
Principal
Investigator
Genetic Science
Learning Center
Biology of Climate
Change / Genetics at Work
(NIH R25 Science Education Partnership Award)
I led this project from brainstorming and writing the grant proposal to many of the final classroom activities and teacher supports. Along the way, I guided budgets, timelines, grant administration, partnerships, and curriculum development. I learned a lot about managing multiple teams and a ton about spreadsheets, all while happily jumping into writing when I could.
2009 - 2010
Research Certificate in Biotechnology
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
2011
Eco-explorer
Utah's Hogle Zoo
I donned an amazing safari vest and led educational experiences that focused on conservation messaging and the importance of sustainability.
2005 - 2009
BS Human Biology
Minor Writing and Publishing
University of Indianapolis
2008 - 2010
R&D Communications Intern
Dow AgroSciences
Worked with scientists and R&D leaders to communicate about research. Wrote internal news articles, helped design and script videos and hands-on activities for company tours, and drafted science-related slides for leadership presentations. I also identified, tracked deadlines, prioritized, wrote and submitted nominations for industry awards - experience I was so grateful to draw from as I did more grant writing later in my career.
2011 - 2018
PhD Human Genetics
University of Utah, Stanfield Lab
I used a variety of genetics and molecular techniques to explore how C. elegans sperm cells respond to signals from the outside world. Yes, that's right, I devoted seven years of my life to studying worm sperm! These beautiful and unique cells have a lot to teach us, even beyond reproductive biology.
2022 - 2026
Leader:
Writing Team
Genetic Science
Learning Center
It was an absolute privilege to lead and learn from an incredible team of writers. Sure, I coached, edited drafts, balanced workloads, kept an eye on budgets, and made sure our priorities aligned. But that was all towards the goal of building a team where folks were empowered to jump in and take ownership, grow, and do their best work in their own way.
2022 - Present
Bird Care Volunteer
Tracy Aviary
A few hours each week, I swap DNA and presentations for diets and parrots. I help prepare food, clean exhibits, and care for some truly remarkable and often ridiculous birds.
2019 - 2024
Precision Medicine
Content Lead
Genetic Science Learning Center
Led science content and writing for materials the Center produced for the All of Us Research Program, creating resources that helped participants understand research and make informed decisions.
2012, 2018 - 2026
Science and Health Writer
Genetic Science Learning Center
This was my core and favorite role at the Center. Throughout my time there, I was one of the main writers for learn.genetics and teach.genetics, covering science and health topics for millions of annual visitors: ~25% K12 students, ~25% educators, ~50% general public.
2017