About Me
Overview
I am a 4th-year doctoral student in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. I research how early experiences affect the brain-gut-microbiome and brain-oral-microbiome axes.
Research Interests
Childhood and adolescence are important times for the development of the brain-gut- microbiome axis. The “brain-gut-microbiome axis” is the system that lets the brain and gut talk to each other and to the microbiome: the microorganisms, or germs, that inhabit our body. Usually, the microorganisms that live in and on our bodies help us to stay healthy, but sometimes, distruptions to the balance of the microbiome can increase our risk for disease. Understanding how our bodies, brains, and the friendly germs that live in and around us all work together will help us to figure out new ways to help kids grow up happy and healthy.
Research Methods
My work integrates a wide variety of methods, including 16S target gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, electrophysiology, and functional neuroimaging.
Teaching
Pedagogy is a critical aspect of my work. I strive to implement evidence-based methods in the classroom and to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the next generation of scientists. I especially enjoy one-on-one mentoring.