​Start Date in the Lab: Sept 2025

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🔬 Research Focus 

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What question or problem are you most excited to answer through your work? I am fascinated by the neurobiological mechanisms by which direct current stimulation can promote neuroplasticity in damaged spinal circuits. I wish to be a part of the team who can provide a more effective solution for those who suffer from chronic spinal cord injuries.

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What techniques or approaches do you use most often? We will be using transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation while simultaneously collecting EMG data to determine changes in diaphragmatic output following stimulation in both anaesthetized and awake rats. In the future, additional pharmacological intervention will be applied with stimulation with the aim of testing a combined rehabilitation approach.

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Scientific Journey 

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What inspired your interest in neuroscience, physiology, or the study of breathing and spinal cord injury? I’ve always had a love for neurobiology, but what drives my passion everyday is knowing my mom’s struggle with disseminated histoplasmosis, a rare opportunistic fungal infection most often affecting the lungs. While she doesn’t suffer from lung-related symptoms, she has lost most of her vision. Her recent surgery on her eyes successfully restored some of her vision, which in turn keeps my passion for precision medicine alive. Even though I’m studying spinal cord injuries, I am most happy knowing I will be improving the quality of life of people I will never meet face-to-face.

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​Best advice you’ve received in science: Stop comparing yourself to others and have confidence in your work. You are meant to be here, and you will get where you are meant to go at your pace.