Hometown: Ocala, FL
Year I became a Gator: 2017
Department: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mentor: Ramon Sun, PhD
Research focus: I study how exercise and hypoxia therapies could protect the brain in Alzheimer’s disease. My goal is to elucidate how these stressors reshape metabolic schemes in ways that support healthier brain function and, ultimately, better memory and cognition.
What drives me: Understanding there are no limits as to what can be achieved in science is my great driving force. There’s always a new path to explore, and each discovery brings us closer to improving medicine and making a real difference for humanity.
What I like most about the BREATHE Training Program: What stands out to me is the mix of expertise that not only creates great opportunities for collaboration, but also helps bridge the gap between research and patient care.
What I like about Gainesville: I love that Gainesville offers so much to do outdoors. Between the great weather, nearby springs, and plenty of trails, it’s easy to enjoy nature all year round.
Why I chose BREATHE at the University of Florida: There is a unique complexity in the process of breathing and its effects in a biological system, within both healthy and diseased states. Having a pool of individuals with such a range of expertise in both lab and clinical settings is a crucial translational focus point to help innovate therapies, which makes it an exciting place to train and collaborate.
What makes the BREATHE Training Program unique? The program is unlike any other because it doesn’t just stop at basic research, you get to see discoveries translated into clinical practice. That connection between lab work and patient care is what makes it inspiring, and brings into perspective the broader mission of advancing medicine.
What I do for fun: Some of my favorite moments are spent with my dog and cat or out exploring the outdoors either at the beach, the springs, or even a theme park.