As a Ph.D. candidate in molecular and cellular biology at University of Massachusetts Amherst, I am fascinated by the intricate mechanisms underlying viral infections and their interactions with host cellular mRNA biology. My current work revolves around investigating the role of a protein called IGF2BP1 in stabilizing mRNA during Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) infection, a virus that causes cancer and other diseases in immunocompromised individuals.With a strong foundation in molecular biology techniques and a passion for unraveling complex biological phenomena, I have contributed to a peer-reviewed journal, such as the Journal of Applied Microbiology. I have also received a Graduate Student Senate Summer Grant to support my research project. Additionally, I have gained valuable leadership experience as the Chair of Graduate Women in STEM organization Mentoring Committee, Chair of the Pioneer Valley Microbiology Symposium, graduate teaching assistant and an academic tutor, enhancing my communication and leadership skills. I am committed to advancing the field of RNA biology and virology, and I look forward to connecting with potential collaborators and mentors in this exciting field.