I was born in Thousand Oaks, CA, and lived in Camarillo until age 8. My family then decided to move North to Oroville, CA, where I graduated from high school. After earning a B.Sc. from CSU, Chico, I completed my M.Sc. at UC Davis. Now I’m a Ph.D. student in Dr. Abhaya Dandekar’s lab. My degree program is in the Horticulture and Agronomy Graduate Group, where I work on molecular mechanisms of plant pathology. I plan to graduate by December 2021.
Uncovering how things work has always interested me, which lead me to the field of research. Studying molecular biology allows me to pursue this passion while contributing to society through the scientific community. Before UC Davis, I studied crop science at CSU, Chico. The decision to pursue graduate school stemmed from a genetics class I took in my last semester at Chico State. This class marked the beginning of my fascination with molecular biology.
My main research focus has been on plant molecular biology. The research project for my M.Sc. involved the characterization of two sugar-transferring enzymes from Juglans regia using genetic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic profiling. We are currently working on publishing this study. My current project involves studying the molecular mechanisms of plant pathology and disease resistance using a similar omics-based approach. The research entails comparing RNAs of resistant and susceptible walnut genotypes. I hope to find molecular markers that enable faster breeding of resistant genotypes, uncover druggable targets, and improve our understanding of host-resistance.
My research focus was initially driven by my desire to understand the molecular mechanisms of biology. However, Dr. Dandekar showed me that there is a way to comprehend these mechanisms to help solve real-world problems. My new focus is to use my research skills to help solve biological problems, like plant disease.
In my time at UC Davis, I have learned a profound amount through courses, research conferences, lab meetings, and routine lab work. There have been many people who have positively influenced my knowledge and career growth. I came to UC Davis with only theoretical knowledge of molecular biology and now use numerous molecular biology skills in lab work and bioinformatics to earn a master’s degree. As a Ph.D. student, these skills will enable me to shed light on the molecular basis of plant disease.
In the future, I plan to utilize my skills in the biomedical industry. After my mom passed away from brain cancer in 2017 I promised myself that I would attempt to use my knowledge to help people suffering from cancer or other debilitating diseases.
At UC Davis, I have taken advantage of some small travel opportunities, such as the Annual Biotechnology Program Retreats in Napa and at the UC Davis Genome Center. I also attended the Annual Walnut Research Conference in Bodega Bay last year and will give a small presentation at this year’s conference. These opportunities were presented to me by My PI, Dr. Dandekar, as he is the chair of the Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology program at UC Davis and works on several projects for the California Walnut Board.
I have a few pieces of advice to offer to students regarding how to stand out and succeed. First, never be afraid to ask questions, as we are all born ignorant. Only when we acknowledge our ignorance and ask questions can we achieve our full potential in science. This advice transcends the classroom into research and other aspects of life. Second, pursue a career that excites you. You are far more likely to be successful when you are motivated by what you do and not just a paycheck. Finally, don’t be afraid to explore multiple careers or disciplines. You don’t have to be limited to the confines of a single profession.
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