My professional goals center around the intertwined arenas of research and education within science. I am passionate about discovering new science that addresses global needs and sharing these discoveries with a broad audience. I'm committed to technical excellence and exploration in the laboratory and enjoy learning new techniques that increase the breadth of my interdisciplinary background. As a scientist and educator, I want to promote the power of the scientific method through discussion of scientific literacy across disciplines and increase the general awareness of the importance of critical thinking. I seek to develop a balance between my professional life and my personal life in order to maintain a well-rounded view which will result in increased communication, productivity, and organizational skills, as well as to being open to new ideas and cultures, and, ultimately, to contributing to my community and society.