I am a first-year PhD student in the NanoSep lab designing new fit-for-purpose membranes. With prior experience in natural product total synthesis and small molecule drug design, I believe that the synthetic chemistry toolbox and the principles of rational molecular design can provide unique solutions to problems in membrane science. Currently, I am interested in using charge density as a lever to increase selectivity and conductivity in nanoporous membranes for a variety of potential applications.

My research experience began as an undergraduate at North Carolina State University, where I designed and completed a total synthesis of melokhanine E, a complex natural product with promising antibacterial properties. I then completed my M.S. in Chemistry at Yale University, where I designed new reactions to simplify the synthesis of synthetically challenging oligosaccharides. After, I worked for four years as a researcher at Bristol Myers Squibb, where I continued to hone my scientific abilities as I balanced innovation and execution to efficiently navigate complex multi-parameter optimizations in search of new small molecule drugs. These experiences have ignited a passion for designing creative approaches to complex chemical problems.

Eventually, I felt a desire to use my background in organic chemistry to help address large-scale problems threatening prosperity across the world. This motivated me to return to graduate school to pursue my Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, through which I hope to design scalable chemical solutions to challenges in climate and sustainability. Outside of the lab, I enjoy nature photography, running, and skiing. I also have two fluffy cats and a parrot who is older than most of my colleagues.