As an undergraduate working with the Schafer-Nishimura lab I am working with Yu-Ting Cheng, Sally Ness, and Xin Zi to create an in-vivo imaging system to study the spinal cord. Working with a diverse team of Phd students, Vet Students, and Engineers has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the scientific world. I am striving to perfect my techniques for a dorsal laminectomy surgery performed on mice to expose the spinal cord for awake imaging. During the surgery a vertebrae is removed and the spinal cord is exposed and a window is implanted in the mouse to allow for chronic study of the spinal cord. Combining the uses of multi-photon microscopy, fluorescent indicators, and monitoring the natural gait of mice we are looking to understand spinal cord injury, gait analysis, and ALS.  This intensive hands on research has allowed me to utilize my love for science and apply it to practical research. 

I joined the Schaffer-Nishimura lab spring 2015 in my second semester freshman year and plan to graduate spiring 2018. I am a Human Development Major in the College of Human Ecology and plan on concentrating in Social and Personality Development. I plan on pursuing a career in medicine hopefully reaching my dream of one day becoming a surgeon. Outside of the lab I enjoy playing a multitude of intramural sports including soccer, flag football, and basketball and am also involved with the Center for Jewish Living on campus.