About Me
I was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska. After receiving my BA in French and biology from the University of Alaska, I stayed to complete a MS in immunology and public health. For my thesis I studied the innate immune reaction and public health messaging surrounding a smokeless tobacco product, Iqmik, that is used by Alaska Natives in Southwest Alaska. After completing my masters, I moved to Pittsburgh, PA to attend the University of Pittsburgh medical school. Through the Medical Scientist Training Program I completed a PhD in transplant immunology studying graft vs. host disease following an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation alongside my medical degree. I am attracted to Med-Peds because from my training I will have a wealth of knowledge from two specialties to use to provide care over a lifespan, with the versatility to apply that training in many settings. In the future, I hope to focus on chronic conditions that arise in childhood and last a lifetime. I plan to utilize my research background to perform research relevant to my patients and improve their health outcomes through translatable therapies. In my free time, I like to go on adventures with my family (husband and twin children), run, bike, cook, and garden.
Why I Chose Michigan?
I was drawn to Michigan for its equally strong Medicine and Pediatric programs and for its stellar reputation as an institution that invests in its missions. It was clear from my first interaction with the Med-Peds program, and all subsequent interactions, that Michigan Medicine is invested in fighting inequities and supporting trainees to become exceptional physicians. It was also clear from my interview that the Med-Peds program is a close knit community that I will connect with and it will be a place for me to grow, learn, and be inspired. I am also looking forward to exploring the great outdoors around Ann Arbor with my family!
