I started my research journey in graduate school where I worked for six years on a long-term project about people’s perceptions and attitudes about hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, throughout the state of Texas. I learned a tremendous amount about working with human subjects, many of whom victims of environmental racism. As the lead researcher, I collaborated with other academics and stakeholders to develop a public-facing manuscript about my work, deliver lectures, and develop conference panels about my project.

After leaving academia, I worked in the life sciences industry as a user experience researcher where I ported my skills toward the cutting-edge of cell and gene therapies. I taught myself about these technologies and the science behind them while leading research teams to understand what customers want for their next generation instruments. I delivered reports to senior leadership to inform business decisions that impacted product teams and development schedules.