Amanda received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Michigan Technological University. She worked in several interdisciplinary labs on topics ranging from C. elegans cancer biology to fruit fly cancer genetics. Throughout her undergraduate career, she was a teaching assistant. She obtained several summer internships including one with the FDA at the National Center for Toxicological Research where she studied the toxicological effects of eugenol using the C. elegans model, which led to a first-author paper in the works. She also was a part of the inaugural TrEC Cancer Pathways cohort which fueled her desire for cancer research. Upon graduating, she worked as a lab technician at her undergraduate institution in a viral vaccine purification lab. From there, she moved to Ann Arbor to begin her journey as an Immunology Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan.
Biogragphy
Research Interest
The expression of several microRNAs is critical for normal immune cell differentiation and pro-inflammatory anti-cancer and anti-viral response. Amanda intends to study how the expression of miR-181 in immune cells, such as T cells and NK cells, impacts the progression of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC).
Techniques Used
2-D and 3-D ovarian cell culture; qPCR; Western blot; ELISA; Flow cytometry; in vivo models; Transwell assays
Awards
Michigan Technological University, Dean's List (2019-2023)
Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities
In her free time, Amanda enjoys playing sports (soccer, volleyball, pickleball, etc.), skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, running, dancing (swing, lyrical, etc.), and exploring local coffee shops.
Immunology Mentors
Analisa DiFeo, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Pathology
Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
