DEI Statement:
Being one of few (or the only) POC in my cohort/lab during various stages of training in the US has helped me be aware and receptive of the unconscious biases and barriers that minorities and historically marginalized groups face in an academic setting. It has also revealed how having people from different backgrounds actually enriches the environment with diverse views, leading to a more complete learning/training experience. I was recently (Fall 2021) appointed the DEI officer for my department, and even in my early days, I have learned so much about the need for better intercultural skills and strategies to tackle unconscious bias in an academic setting.
Research Interests
We use biochemical, cell biological and X-ray crystallographic tools to understand the functions of telomeres and telomerase, complexes that are intricately involved with cancer, stem cell biology, aging, and meiosis.