I am a freshman Chemistry Scholar enrolled in the University Honors Program and am pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry. I am from Homewood, Alabama and graduated from Homewood High School. I have had previous research experience in the UAB Atherosclerosis Unit under Dr. Palgunachari Mayakonda. My work involved synthesizing amino acids to create D4F, a synthetically designed molecule that mimics the effects of HDL cholesterol. I began my research in the lab of Dr. James Meador-Woodruff in early June 2009. My lab supervisor is Dr. Robert McCullumsmith. I am currently working on a project that compares the levels of specific glutamate transcripts in wildtype mice and heterozygous mice. The heterozygous mice are missing a gene called SYNGAP. My work in Summer 2009 involved cryosectioning mouse brains and in situ hybridization. I am currently conducting data analysis for each glutamate transcript tested on both mice.

My hobbies include working out, swimming, basketball, and meditation. I am currently applying for the Neuroscience Program because I have developed an interest in the human brain.