Graduate Ambassador at Cornell University
Hometown: Mifflintown, PA
She/her/hers
Graduate Program: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, PhD
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2023
Institution: Millersville University
Major: Animal Behavior
I am a first-generation student from central Pennsylvania. I fell in love with field biology after traveling as an undergraduate research assistant to the Ecuadorian Amazon.
I chose Cornell because of the welcoming, collaborative nature of the department. I could picture myself being happy here both professionally and personally. Cornell also prioritized undergraduate research training and diversity/inclusion initiatives, both of which I am very passionate about.
My interests include physiological ecology, microbial ecology, and ornithology. I study how an animal's physiology impacts it's ability to cope with environmental stressors. Specifically, I investigate the interactions among gut microbiota and stress physiology.
Find an advisor with a mentoring style that works for you and who will support your growth both professionally and personally. The graduate student community should feel collaborative, not competitive. Interviewing is a two-way street so make sure you also ask the hard-hitting questions to make sure the graduate school is the right fit for you.