I’ve called Boston my home ever since my family immigrated here when I was in elementary school. From that moment on, Boston became the backdrop of my academic journey and professional growth. I’ve lived in many of its neighborhoods, each move driven by new opportunities in education, work, and family. Whether rowing crew on the Charles (cue 'dirty water' by the Standells) or exploring the city’s rich history, Boston has shaped who I am today.

I attended Brandeis University on the prestigious Presidential Award, which helped cover my tuition (see Q&A section for tips on finding merit awards), and earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biology, as well as a Bachelor's in Neuroscience and a Minor in Chemistry. While at Brandeis, I also worked at Children’s Hospital conducting genetics research, which fueled my passion for biomedical science. Outside the lab, rowing crew on the Charles River taught me invaluable lessons in discipline and perseverance, shaping both my academic and personal growth.

I next pursued a Ph.D. in Human Biology and Translational Medicine at Harvard University, within the Biological and Biomedical Sciences program. My passion for developing new medicines deepened at Harvard, where I conducted cutting-edge research while also discovering a love for teaching. I mentored high school students through Harvard Medical School's science mentoring program and served as a teaching assistant for undergraduates, helping shape the next generation of scientists.

Following my Ph.D., I completed post-doctoral training in Genomics at the renowned Broad Institute, where I developed innovative methods to map the human body’s cells and authored high-impact research published in top-tier journals such as Cell and Science. Today, as an Associate Director in cancer genomics at a Fortune 500 biopharma company, I continue to contribute to cutting-edge research, with my work featured in Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.

With a career spanning world-class institutions and a commitment to helping students, I bring a unique blend of scientific rigor and mentorship to the table. Whether it’s advising on essays or guiding students through the intricacies of the college application process, I’m here to share what I’ve learned, so others can chart their own path to success.

Having lived across the U.S., I can confidently say New England stands out, especially for its rich history, vibrant seasons, and close-knit communities that make it feel like home. Growing up on a horse farm in rural Mississippi, life moved at a slower pace. Surrounded by single-lane country roads and with the nearest grocery store an hour away, I learned early on the value of self-reliance and hard work. From my small town, I was the only student to venture out of state for college, initially attending Carson-Newman College in Tennessee before transferring to the University of San Francisco for a stronger scientific foundation and broader career opportunities.

While studying in San Francisco, my passion for scientific research grew deeper. A pivotal moment came during my summer internship at Iowa State University, where I researched corn genetics and discovered a love for discovery that would shape my future. This experience inspired me to pursue both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Pharmacology at Yale, where I focused my research on Alzheimer’s disease. During my time at Yale, mentoring became a significant part of my journey. I guided numerous undergraduate students in the laboratory, helping them develop research projects and navigate their academic paths. These mentoring experiences, combined with my growing understanding of scientific discovery, sparked a deeper interest in the role of Intellectual Property in bringing pharmaceutical innovations to market. This realization, combined with my passion for science and writing, inspired me to pursue a career as an intellectual property lawyer, ensuring groundbreaking discoveries reach those who need them.

After completing my Ph.D. at Yale, I gained invaluable experience at two prestigious law firms, gaining expertise in both patent prosecution and litigation. Recognizing the importance of a J.D. to fully achieve my career ambitions, I earned a Trustee Academic Scholarship to enroll in Suffolk Law’s accelerated two-year program. This degree paved the way to my dream role, where I now develop patent and legal strategies for biotech start-ups as part of a leading Venture Capital firm, helping turn cutting-edge innovations into market-ready solutions.

Alongside my career as a patent attorney, I enjoy leveraging my interdisciplinary experience in science, law, and education, to help students develop compelling college essays, guiding them through this transformative step in their academic and personal growth.