Department of Immunology / University of Washington, Seattle, WA
I am interested in how cells recognize and respond to viral pathogens through detection of viral nucleic acids. My research focuses on understanding innate immune pathways involved in cell intrinsic cytosolic DNA detection and coordination of an inducible antiviral response, and how dysregulation of these pathways leads to autoimmune disease.
I grew up on a California farm, surrounded by the natural world, with parents who continually nurtured my interest in it. This experience, coupled with having mentors who allowed me the freedom to follow my interests in their laboratories, have guided my development as a scientist. Freedom to direct my own research has been a tremendous gift, and I am fortunate to be in a truly collaborative research environment. By moving to Seattle I became part of an outstanding research institute, and have also been able to pursue nonacademic interests. I have been on nationally-ranked college and club ultimate frisbee teams, currently help coach the women’s ultimate frisbee team at the University of Washington, and compete as a competitive curler. My experiences have created many awesome friendships and helped me develop discipline, determination and leadership skills, while balancing my life as a research scientist.