Growing up, what career did you want to pursue?

I’ve always wanted to be a scientist. In fact, I knew as early as middle school that I wanted to specifically study jellyfish!  I was fortunate enough to be raised by two biologists, which meant I grew up immersed in a biology department. I played frisbee with graduate students and caught specimens for my dad for his own research projects (including in between soccer games). It taught me, at a young age, that becoming a scientist is a real career option and allowed me to see what it’s really like. Both of my parents supported a wide range of my interests but encouraged my deeper dive into biology when it was clear I showed interest.

When and how did you become interested in your specific research?

I had an early interest in ocean animals and environments, especially the deep sea. I constantly read that there was still so much to learn about the ocean, and I liked the idea of discovering new things. As I went through grade school and read more about the deep sea, I learned about the animals living there, including jellyfish. Most people know that jellyfish can sting, but how they do it — and how this system has evolved — is not well known. It became clear to me that this was a major gap in our knowledge.

Beyond that, the animals are also incredibly beautiful. The more jellies I learned about, the more drawn in I became!

In high school, I found a subject that I enjoyed nearly as much as biology: chemistry. So, I went into my undergraduate career as a chemistry and biology double major, thinking I could study venoms and toxins with my background in biochemistry and then apply that to jellyfish and their relatives. I worked in a variety of marine invertebrate labs during this time, which helped me figure out what I did – and did not — want to pursue. I kept returning to jellyfish venoms and the many questions I could ask. Now, I’m asking those questions, and couldn’t be happier.

 What made you decide to join the Gibson Lab?

I started coming to the Institute during the last year of my Ph.D. to perform mass spectrometry experiments on stinging cells from Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. I was immediately drawn to the potential of working with the Institute’s Technology Centers. I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, just under an hour from the Stowers Institute campus. While attending a conference in 2018, my graduate school advisor, Dr. Paulyn Cartwright, connected me with Stowers Institute Investigator Matt Gibson, Ph.D., at a conference.  I was lucky that a previous student in the Gibson Lab was finishing his work on stinging cells. Prior to that introduction, my Ph.D. research, which focused on the evolution and ecology of venom systems in different jellyfish species (or medusozoans), already had me curious about the evolution and construction of stinging cells. It was a great fit. That former student's research has become an important foundation for my own work. My experience at the Institute has been exceptional. I've learned so much and will carry that knowledge with me into my next position.

What is your favorite non-research related memory at the Stowers Institute so far?

I have become very close with the group that regularly attends the afternoon fitness classes. It is a great mental and physical break, and I always have a good laugh, too.

 What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?

There are several wonderful climbing gyms in the area.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to run my own research lab studying cnidarian venomics. If all works out, I’d have multiple cnidarian species established in the lab and several students working on their own projects. Perhaps we will even participate in or organize an outreach event or two!

What advice do you have for other people curious about a career in science?

Try and learn all you can about what scientists actually do, what experiences or classes they needed to take (or not take!), and what their professional journey looked like. (It is rarely straightforward.)

If you are really fascinated by something new that scientists learned, try and find out how they did it. Podcasts like Radiolab, Ologies (or Smologies), Science Friday, and Short Wave are great resources. Ologies in particular often highlights the scientific journeys of researchers.

If you, like me, decided that science is for you early on, I would give the advice that my dad gave to me: Pick a small field, one you are excited about. It can be challenging, but you get to discover new things all the time and make important contributions to broader scientific knowledge. For me, it has made my work fulfilling and a lot of fun.