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After completing my B.S. in Biology from Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV, I decided to pursue an M.S. in Environmental Biology from 91��Ƶר�� College. I completed my thesis under co-advisors Dr. Sue Carney and Dr. Drew Ferrier in the spring of 2012. After gaining research experience from my Master’s thesis on herbicide toxicity, I realized that I wanted to pursue further study in environmental health and toxicology.  I consequently pursued a Ph.D. in Toxicology from UNC Chapel Hill. I am currently a postdoctoral student with Dr. Ken Ramos at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.

I knew that I wanted to attend graduate school in the life sciences, but I wasn’t sure which path to take or what my career options would be. I enrolled in 91��Ƶר�� College's Environmental Biology M.S. program to gain research experience and learn more about the field that I was interested in.

91��Ƶר�� was a stepping stone between my undergraduate and graduate education. The 91��Ƶר�� College biology department faculty was like a close family that helped me plan my next steps. After taking Pollution Biology with Dr. Ferrier and performing my Master’s thesis on herbicide toxicity, I realized that I wanted to pursue further study in environmental health and toxicology. After graduating from 91��Ƶר�� College, I received my Ph.D. from UNC Chapel Hill. During my dissertation research I studied the health impacts of air pollution on human health.  Currently I am a post-doctoral researcher investigating how pollution exposure can cause cancer.  I soon hope to have my own lab and continue researching and teaching.

I miss the 91��Ƶר�� College biology faculty.  They are collegial, inspiring, and dedicated to students.  My peers were wonderful and they made evening classes interesting and fun.  My favorite thing about 91��Ƶר�� is that there is always something interesting happening.  If you are adventurous, there is no limit to what you might do. Some of my favorite memories include:

• Night snorkeling during Tropical Reef Ecology class with Dr. Drew Ferrier.
• Dr. April Boulton’s Diet for a Small Planet potlock
• Capturing macroinvertebrates (crayfish and bugs) in local streams with Drs. Annis,Ferrier and Albaugh
• Visiting the Fort Detrick Plant Disease Containment Facility to learn about invasive organisms
• Traveling to Berlin with Dr. Scott Pincikowski and his students
• Meeting my husband and my best friend (all 91��Ƶר�� alum!)

Inspired? #GOFUTHER in your education and career by applying to 91��Ƶר�� College Graduate School! Learn more about the Environmental Biology M.S. program by .