My primary goal as a teacher is to make biology engaging, applicable, and useful. As a result, I use a variety of approaches to support individual interests and encourage curiosity. To promote the applicability of biology, I try to develop creativity and critical thinking in my students. These are key skills for scientists that translate to many fields and prepare students for the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of science. I am responsible for teaching General Biology, Principles of Biology Laboratory, Molecular Neurobiology, and an upper-level research course.

My primary research interest is studying the response of microglial cells to disease. Microglia are brain-resident immune cells that are activated during disease. Prolonged activation is detrimental to the health of other brain cells. My research lab is interested in factors that contribute to improper and prolonged microglial activation during neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. My lab is focused on using molecular biology techniques to train undergraduate students and make contributions to our understanding of neuroimmunology.