I’m a biology PhD student at Northwestern University working on understanding RNA structures and how they fold. My main projects focus on studying RNA-based gene regulation systems in bacteria that have applications as antibiotic targets and bio-based water quality sensors. My self-declared side projects include learning and practicing ways to use science communication for more accessible and inclusive science, as well as reading and writing about the policies and impacts of biotechnology.

Linking two enzymes turns plastic-eating bacteria into super-digesters

But these bacteria won't save us: we still need to use far less plastic to save the planet

Produced in partnership with NPR Scicommers

A grape virus causes vineyards to lose $60,000 per hectare, and there's no defense against it

Red blotch disease alters the chemical composition and taste of critical winemaking grapes

Sorry, your houseplants aren't actually purifying your apartment's air

New research finds that you would need between 10 and 1000 plants per meter squared to gain any real air quality benefits

We need to talk about our current global antimicrobial resistance crisis — in a more effective manner

Antimicrobial resistance has been declared a global health threat, but we're running into barriers when it comes to communication

Gamers are one-upping nature and computers by designing whole new proteins

Building elaborate structures from scratch is difficult for computers, but in the hands of a gamer...

NIH seeks to enroll one million individuals in genetic counseling to improve health research diversity

Medical research has had a long history of disproportionately benefiting wealthier countries and white people, rather than ethnic minorities

Open access publishing is gaining steam, and the National Cancer Institute is now on board

NCI joins Science Europe and the University of California system in making bold moves toward open access