I’m a scientist and connector with a passion for enhancing biomedical research by supporting complex projects and empowering others to succeed! With a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Vanderbilt and over a decade of experience in strategic partnership building, program design, and project management, I thrive when thinking creatively about solving big challenges, bringing key stakeholders together to spark new initiatives, and building novel programs to enable impact.Currently, I’m an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at Vanderbilt University’s School of Medicine, where I lead initiatives to help biomedical Ph.D. students and postdocs navigate their careers. Through our ASPIRE Program, I’ve designed and launched an internship program, a networking short course, an entrepreneurship fellowship, and I plan and speak at a variety of workshops, seminars and symposia throughout the year. I’ve even taken student groups on multi-day industry visits to biopharma hubs like San Francisco and Boston. My favorite parts of the job is building partnerships with people across academia, industry, government, and nonprofits. Before diving into career development, I spent years in biomedical research, from elucidating cell signaling pathways to identifying new drug targets for neurodegenerative diseases. I also had the amazing opportunity to do postdoctoral research in France, funded by the Chateaubriand Fellowship, where I honed my love for cheese and all things French.Beyond work, you’ll find me outside in nature, gardening, or advocating for trees in my community. I’m also a fitness and nutrition enthusiast—though my love of cheese might occasionally win out! Meeting new people is a constant source of inspiration for me, and I’m always up for a coffee and a chat.I believe in the power of collaboration, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Whether I’m giving a talk, crafting a grant proposal, or advising a student, my goal is always the same: to help people grow, connect, and make a difference. Let's build something great together!