Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?

During undergrad, I was an American Physiological Society Summer Research Fellow and conducted summer research at IU. Later, I was invited to the Getting You Into IUPUI program, hosted by the Graduate Office, which allowed me a deeper look into the graduate programs on campus. I chose graduate school at IUPUI because of the vast areas of biomedical research on the School of Medicine campus and the many centers for biomedical research and disease. I knew I would gain a comprehensive training here at IUPUI supported by the investigators on campus.

What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?

My favorite academic accomplishment was being a part of the IU Simon Cancer Center Cancer Biology Training Program. The application process involved writing a specific aims statement for my research project and having recently joined my lab, at the time I applied, it was a good exercise to structure my proposed project. With the training program, I attended research seminars for visiting faculty and on-campus faculty. I participated in courses that focused on cancer biology, molecular cancer genetics, and cancer signaling, among other courses related to biochemistry and cancer biology. I presented a poster at Cancer Research Day which gave me an opportunity to organize my preliminary data. The academic and professional support I received has been resourceful during my graduate career.

What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?

I enjoy the restaurants on Mass Ave and in the downtown area. I like meeting up with friends and de-stressing over good food and drinks. (pre-COVID-19)

Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.

I am an Adam W. Herbert University Fellowship Recipient, an IU Simon Cancer Center Cancer Biology Training Program Trainee, a Southern Regional Education Board Doctoral Scholar, and recently, a 2020 AACR Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Awardee. My research in Dr. Teresa Zimmers’ laboratory focuses on the role of inflammation in the progression of pancreatic cancer associated cachexia. In lab, I organize the Muscle/Cachexia Journal Club for researchers and trainees to share and discuss current papers in our field. I have presented posters on campus in Biochemistry Research Day, Cancer Research Day, and the Bone and Muscle Interactions Meeting; and off campus, at the Virtual 2020 AACR Meeting. On campus, I am an IUPUI Graduate Emissary and I have served on the executive board of the Underrepresented Professional and Graduate Student Organization for the past 2 years and am now the president for 2020-2021. Off campus, I am active in my HBCU alumni club and attend church on the weekends.