About Me

Pathogens can end up in the environment from human and animal contamination -like feces! When pathogens are in the environment, they pose significant risks to human health, and by understanding their fate under various conditions, we can develop effective disease control and public health protection measures. My research focuses on investigating the spread and survival of pathogens in different environments, examining the role of animal interactions in disease transmission, and developing tailored water/wastewater/sanitation interventions for resource-limited or underserved regions.

Through volunteer studies and laboratory experiments, I've explored pathogen transmission dynamics, survival rates on surfaces, and the effectiveness of interventions like hand hygiene and water disinfection. These findings offer valuable insights into how pathogens interact with the environment and human health, guiding global efforts to prevent and prepare for infectious diseases. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of the fate of pathogens and enhances public health resilience against emerging threats.

I aim to understand the fate of pathogens in the environment so that we may better predict risk and protect public health

2021 – 2024

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Engineering

Stanford University, Stanford, CA

PhD Committee: Alexandria Boehm (Advisor), Jade Benjamin-Chung, Jenna Davis, Marlene Wolfe, Kevin Boyce (Chair)

Dissertation: Enveloped Viruses in the Environment: Fate, Transmission, and Intervention Strategies 

2019 – 2021

Master of Science in Environmental Engineering

Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Alexandria Boehm (Advisor)

2015 – 2019

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, Minor in Economics

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

Undergraduate Student Researcher in Joe Brown's Lab

Study abroad in Lund, Sweden

I was born and raised in Florida, and there I spent summers coaching sailing on the Tampa Bay. While I gained an appreciation for water and nature in this experience, I also witnessed sick wildlife and pollution. This inspired me to work towards environmental stewardship and solutions to water contamination.

After high school, I pursued an undergraduate degree focused on environmental science and water quality. With the guidance of mentors, I became deeply involved in research aimed at addressing water and sanitation challenges related to pathogens and human health. Much of my PhD work was motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic to better understand the survival, transfer, and removal of viruses from the environment. 

Now, as a Postdoc, I'm committed to continuing my research concerning pathogens, the environment, and public health. I am also dedicated to empowering students to pursue their passions and advance in higher education through research opportunities, teaching, and mentorship.