Project: OCNDS Natural History Data Analysis
I am currently a 1st year Biomedical and Translational Sciences PhD student completing my rotations at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD in conjunction with the University of South Dakota. I finished my undergraduate at Central College in Pella, IA in December of 2024 majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Global Health. I was first introduced to CSNK2A1 during a REU at Sanford Research in the summer of 2024 in Dr Abdelhalim Loukil's lab where I investigated the role of CSNK2A1, a ciliary kinase, in mediating neural tube patterning. I returned to the lab in January to expand on this project, which was eventually presented at the CSNK2A1 Foundation's 2025 Connect and Collaborate Conference in Denver this year! My scientific dream, a goal that will include so many more people than me, is to help bridge the communication disconnect between the general population and scientific researchers, which I believe will lead to an immeasurable improvement in patient outcome and global health. A fun fact about me? I am a certified glass blower! Catch me on Facebook under 'The Pearl - Handblown Glass'. The coolest thing I've ever made? All the Christmas ornaments on my tree! And a brain!