Why did you choose FSU?

The Program in Neuroscience at FSU is well established and developed, with a strong history of collegiality among faculty. There are numerous experienced and highly esteemed researchers with diverse scientific expertise, along with complete access to exceptional facilities. I chose to attend FSU because of its truly ideal resources for the study of feeding behavior, as the faculty consists of highly regarded experts in this field. Specifically, I selected this program because of my interest in the research conducted by Dr. Diana Williams. She is a highly regarded neuroendocrinologist with extensive training in the field of feeding behavior. In the Williams lab, I have the opportunity to explore my research interests by investigating the diverse factors that control food intake and body weight; focusing on how the gut communicates with brain about nutrients coming into the stomach during meals, and how the brain integrates this information, leading to fullness.

What motivated and still motivates you to pursue a graduate degree?

Have you ever wondered what causes feelings of hunger or fullness? Why is it so easy to overeat junk foods? Why do some people naturally stay thin, while others have a natural propensity toward obesity? These questions and many more like them fuel my curiosity about my research. In fact, many of these questions stem from my personal journey and struggle with overcoming obesity, which has ignited an interest and passion for studying this field. As an undergraduate, I lost 120 pounds through major lifestyle and eating habit changes. My interest in how the brain controls feeding behavior evolved through a fusion of my personal experience with obesity and weight loss, as well as my academic interest in the field of neuroscience. Questions from my own experiences drive my research and keep me motivated to investigate these neurobiological secrets underlying the obesity epidemic that affects so many individuals.

What is important about your research?

Obesity and its numerous comorbidities, including insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, are now among the leading causes of preventable death in the United States; therefore, understanding the underlying neural circuitry that mediates the over consumption of palatable foods and coordinates feeding behavior is critical to the development of potential treatments obesity and overeating. My research seeks to identify neural pathways involved in the control of food intake under both baseline and stressed conditions. The results of my research have the potential to move the field forward and to make advancements toward the long-term goal of understanding the neural circuitry that integrates the diverse signals that influence feeding.

What are your future career aspirations?

My chief goal for my graduate training is to become a skilled neuroscientist in the field of feeding behavior. This training will foster my academic growth and prepare me for my next step as a postdoctoral fellow. After my postdoctoral training, I ultimately aspire to hold a faculty position where I would have my own independent research program and train future scientists at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Personal Achievements

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) (2017 -2019); Gerard P. Smith Award (2018); Nominee for Undergraduate Research Mentor Award - UROP (2018); Lloyd Beidler Graduate Student Award, FSU Program in Neuroscience (2017); Society for the Study of Investigative Behavior, Randall R. Sakai New Investigator Travel Award (2017); International Conference Presentation Grant (2016 & 2017); Bryan Robinson Neuroscience Endowment Grant (2015 & 2016); Department of Psychology Russell and Eugenia Morcom Graduate Research Day Excellence Award (2015)