My overall research objective is to explore the dynamic changes in DC subsets in health and disease, with the vision that understanding the human skin DC network will propel the development of DC-based therapeutics for inflammatory skin diseases.

My research is focused on Staphylococcus epidermidis device-related infections. S. epidermidis is the leading organism causing infections associated with indwelling medical devices. Although S. epidermidis infection does not frequently lead to death, it does cause chronic infection that contributes to high economic burden and morbidity. My goal is to elucidate (1) what parts of the immune system are important for eradicating infection, (2) what bacterial mechanisms are critical for establishing infection and persisting in the host and (3) what host-pathogen interactions are critical or can be targeted to increase immune killing of the pathogen and/or decrease bacterial burden and pathogenicity.Thesis Advisor: Dr. Robin Patel

Academic Assistant to Dr. Jill Rhea with Communication Studies (2010-2013) and Academic Assistant to Dr. Ashley Farmer Hanson with Intercultural Programs (2012-2013).

Participating in the JBIO5 internship research program at the University of Arizona, I worked with Dr. Mike Riehle and his team on the continuation of a project over the Dengue Fever Virus. Overall, the results of this research allowed us to accurately assess the age structure of Aedes aegypti populations which will aid our knowledge of their current population structure and possible alterations due to climate change in the future.

Internship with the Environmental Services Department. This internship provides a unique and meaningful learning opportunity to explore careers in the utility industry. Under the guidance of a supervisor/mentor, student interns work on assigned career-related utility projects designed to enhance or complement their education and career objective.The Internship Program provides students with an opportunity to:Gain experience while working with a diverse group of professionals in fields including electric/water/wastewater utility management, business, engineering and environmental science.Obtain higher quality jobs, gain valuable experience and achieve greater success in their future career paths.Practice the application of skills and concepts learned in the classroom (theory practice).