I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology, where I expect to graduate in December 2024. I am particularly interested in the genetic manipulation of microorganisms to combat infectious and chronic disease. Previous to my continued education, I spent 3+ years in clinical and industry settings. My primary skills are sample processing, ELISAs, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, cell isolation, and cell counting, as well as experiment planning and data analysis using Excel and Graphpad Prism. I also have experience with automated DNA extraction, qPCR, flow cytometry, bacterial culture, gram-staining, and reagent preparation. These experiences, in addition to my previous Bachelor of Science in Psychology and five years in the military, have given me soft skills that have helped me both personally and professionally. In the military, I honed my ability to maintain discipline, resilience, and endless adaptability. I am particularly proud of my role as a non-commissioned officer, where I had the ability to support and advocate for lower enlisted soldiers who often didn’t have a voice of their own. My background in psychology and work experiences have enhanced my empathy, collaborative mindset, critical-thinking skills, and sense of purpose in my work.I aspire to make a meaningful contribution to life science research that yields new discoveries, sparks continued curiosity, and inspires new technologies to treat disease. I also hope to spread kindness and contribute to an environment that is fair, open-minded, and allows everyone to have a voice.