…pursuing a career in the genetics field. As a second-generation immigrant and first-generation college student I am elated to be able to explore and grow in my academic journey.

Understanding the endless functionality and evolution of human genetics is something I find deeply fascinating and is one of the main factors that drove my decision to change my career path from Illustration to Science.

It is an honor to get the opportunity to explore unknown spaces, such as the inner workings of Ancient DNA studied here in Dr. Massilani’s lab.

My experience working in the lab has taught me to find the silver lining in even the most difficult situations and this newfound perseverance will help me find success in all my pursuits.

It is a word that has allowed me to not only pester my parents with impossible questions as a kid but also dive deep into the world of scientific discovery. I think my favorite why and the why that got me interested in human evolution was “Why are we who we are?”

Through researching ancient DNA and archaic human populations, I have begun to take a stab at this question. But more so, I am learning how to be a researcher, a lab member, and a scientist, as this is my first time in a scientific research environment.

Working in the lab has been an invaluable experience, enabling me to learn more about not only genetics and evolutionary biology but humanity and our story.