Hometown: Falls City, NE
Year I became a Gator: 2025
Department: Physical Therapy
Mentor: David Fuller, PhD
Research focus: I study the use of novel therapeutics to treat respiratory dysfunction in rodent models of Pompe disease. My research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying disease pathology and how these therapeutics can reverse them.
What drives me: I have always been passionate about understanding human physiology. The opportunity to combine my interests in respiratory physiology and neuroscience to explore the mechanisms of respiratory dysfunction and diseases, with the hope to ultimately improve therapeutic approaches, is what drives my work.
What I like most about the BREATHE Training Program: I greatly value the professional development opportunities offered through BREATHE-sponsored events. The collaborative atmosphere between health care providers and basic science researchers fosters an environment where it is easy to gain meaningful insights into ongoing research.
Awards/achievements since being on the T32: I am newly appointed to the T32, and with the support of my mentor and collaborators at the BREATHE Center, I am applying for a fellowship.
What I like about Gainesville: Gainesville feels like the perfect-sized community. After growing up in rural Nebraska, I really enjoy the fact that Gainesville is large enough to offer a variety of activities, such as parks, dining, and events, yet small enough to maintain the welcoming nature I have come to love in small towns.
Why I chose BREATHE at the University of Florida: The BREATHE program provides a unique opportunity to conduct highly translatable research in a collaborative environment that fosters high-quality science and promotes meaningful interactions between basic researchers and health care providers. The BREATHE Center also has strong track record of training the next generation of leaders in respiratory research.
What makes the BREATHE Training Program unique? The BREATHE program and Center is one of the only places that focuses on several facets of respiratory research. Having this dedicated Center creates a unique environment where researchers can engage in highly translatable respiratory research projects and learn from leaders across multiple disciplines.
What I do for fun: I enjoy visiting the city and state parks around Gainesville, as well as the national parks across the South as I work towards my goal of visiting all U.S. National Parks. When I am not traveling, I enjoy relaxing with a good show or spending time baking.