About

I am a PhD Candidate in Biodefense with a specialization in International Security at George Mason University. I am broadly interested in pandemic preparedness, global health security, the bioeconomy and emerging biotechnology, and behavioral psychology.

Before joining GMU, I worked at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) as Project Director of the International Bioeconomy Forum, co-authored a guidebook on ways to prevent spillover in wet markets in Southeast Asia, and explored the ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) impacted the life sciences.

My interest in global science policy work began while on a U.S. Fulbright Program grant to Thailand during 2020-2021, where I taught English and Science at a local high school and volunteered with the U.S. embassies in Bangkok and Vientiane, Laos.

I also have a Master’s in Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution from Emory University (2018-2020), where I looked into the evolutionary and genetic basis of territorial warfare and aggression in humanity’s closets relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos. I also have a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences at Georgia State University (2014-2018).

Outside of work, I practice Muay Thai, go hiking with my dog, create art, and do social media content.