Can you share a moment or experience that made you feel particularly proud or inspired during your time here?  

I remember I was having a conversation with my PI Jennifer Gerton, Ph.D., for insight on a particular experiment we were troubleshooting, and I learned that we were the experts! Not many were asking the question I was pursuing, and nobody has yet made it to the finish line. That made me proud of how far I had come as an early-career researcher.

What do you believe sets the Stowers Graduate School apart from other graduate programs in terms of resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth?  

The independence I have as a graduate student with ample resources to answer any question is what sets Stowers apart. I always know that I am supported, while being uniquely poised to ask a question and chase after it, here at the Stowers Institute.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the Stowers Graduate School? What makes it a great fit for future researchers?  

I think it is most important to know what you wish to achieve with a Ph.D. before jumping into graduate school. Then, the support and resources at the Stowers Institute will come together to help you bring your ideas to fruition.

How has the Stowers Graduate School supported your career goals, both in terms of your current research and your professional development?  

The Stowers Graduate School is small, but in the best way. The school’s staff and the various scientists I interact with at the Institute know each student and their research personally. Therefore, the support I receive from the graduate school is molded to my specifications and what I set out to achieve during my time here.