I’m a 1st year PhD student in the NanoSep Lab at CU Boulder, interested in the synthesis and control of 2D polyaramids for sustainable separations. Born and raised in rural Pennsylvania, I attribute my interest in sustainability to growing up in the South Mountain Fruit Belt, one of the highest apple-producing regions in the United States, where my agricultural background emphasized the importance of water treatment and resource efficiency.

During my B.S. in ACS Chemistry at Drury University, I completed three undergraduate research experiences spanning analytical biochemistry, organic synthesis, and catalysis. I discovered my enthusiasm for research under the mentorship of Dr. Albert Korir, where I optimized and validated a high-performance liquid chromatography method to quantify phosphofructokinase-1 activity in real time for screening novel drug analogs. I then spent two years in the laboratory of Dr. Madhuri Manpadi, developing an environmentally friendly radical methodology for allene synthesis. Additionally, through the Young Scholars Summer Research Program at CU Boulder under the guidance of Dr. Will Medlin, I studied the control of single-atom catalyst product selectivity via phosphonic acid self-assembled monolayer modulation. These experiences motivated my pursuit of graduate research focused on sustainable applications.

As an undergraduate, I was highly active in organizations and outreach efforts promoting sustainability initiatives and K–12 engagement with STEM, and I plan to continue these efforts at CU. Outside of the lab, I enjoy typical Boulder activities such as hiking and snowboarding, as well as baking, painting, whittling, and having game nights with friends.