My interests in science bloomed at a very early age. In high school, my favorite courses were biology, chemistry, and physics, all of which I excelled in. The topics that captured my attention the most were cellular biology, anatomy, and physiology. I received high grades in the aforementioned subjects and also received the county award in Biology in Okaloosa County.

I am currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in microbiology. Early in my first semester of college I had the opportunity to become a member of a research laboratory. While in the lab I have studied viruses on a genomic level and have explored methods of cutting out or "knocking down" certain genes that may be responsible for the lytic properties of these viruses. In my courses I am learning about a variety of microbes and the intricacies of their forms, functions, metabolisms, etc. My coursework and research has further peaked my interest in the fields of biology and microbiology.

In addition to my interests in science, I have always felt an urge to help those in need. Because of this, I plan to pursue a master's degree in microbiology with a focus on bacterial and viral pathogens. After obtaining a master's degree, I plan on attending medical school and becoming an infectious disease doctor. As a physician specializing in infectious diseases I plan to take part in Doctors Without Borders so that I can use the knowledge I have acquired while conducting research in the lab and taking courses in microbiology. I firmly believe in lifelong learning and in fulfilling my goals I will have the privilege of furthering mankind's knowledge in the realm of microbiology while helping hundreds of people around the world that may not have access to advanced medical care.