I graduated from Arizona State University with a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology. My doctoral research focused on the development of vaccine candidates and universal vaccine platform technologies that use plant-based expression systems. During my time at ASU, I have helped to create and experimentally validate vaccine candidates against Zika virus, Dengue virus, Hepatitis C virus, and Herpes Simplex virus. My projects have led to three peer-reviewed publications, a patent, and several patent applications.Currently, I am the Chief Science Officer and co-founder of two early-stage biotech startups. My goal is to enhance global public health by creating and commercializing innovative vaccine solutions that can impact underserved populations.