Tell a bit about your life before you joined CSU.

I came to graduate school after 4 years in industry (agricultural biotech) and 2 years in conservation/field biology.

Tell us about your research project and what attracted you to your area of interest.

I study extremophile metabolism, specifically the protein network that regulates hydrogen gas production in hyperthermophilic archaea.

What do you do to relax when you’re not in the lab?

I like to garden, road bike, make soap, and host game nights, but when I really need to relax, I experiment in the kitchen. Luckily, my chickens aren’t picky eaters.

What is your favorite thing about the CMB program/CSU/Fort Collins?

The first time I visited Fort Collins, I remember people making eye contact with me and smiling. I’ve lived here for over a decade, and that’s still what comes to mind — friendly people.

What has surprised you about graduate school?

When I came back to academia, I took every class I could sign up for. I’d missed being in a learning environment, but I’ve finally had my fill of course work and now enjoy researching on my own volition.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Tackling massive data sets. They’re SO big!

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Teach at the college level or work in biotech while doing science writing on the side.