About
Education
Graduated May 2020
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Thesis: Altered functional connectivity during working memory performance in older adults following low-level laser therapy
Graduated April 2017
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Minor in Chemistry
Research Experience
August 2021 — Present
Research Assistant | Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS)
I collaborate with TBIMS researchers to investigate how the social determinants of health and psychosocial factors influence health outcomes after moderate-to-severe TBI.
Graduate Research Assistant | UT Clinical Neuroscience Lab
I collected and analyzed neuropsychological and neuroimaging data to study the effects of transcranial laser therapy on cognitive performance in adults with and without mild cognitive impairment, involving 12 visits with laser therapy, cognitive tests, and physical health measures.
Undergraduate Research Assistant | CI Therapy Research Group
I administered constraint-induced biofeedback therapy to an individual with motor complete tetraplegia, analyzing training data to assess recovery; I validated a neuroimaging pipeline by comparing longitudinal MRI results to simulated post-treatment changes; and I analyzed MRI data for a study on improving hand function in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Core Values
Compassion and Empathy
Behind every data point is a person navigating the complexities of brain injury—relearning skills, grappling with memory challenges, and adapting to a changed sense of self. Understanding these human experiences guides me to design research that prioritizes the needs and experiences of patients and their families. My goal is to conduct research that not only expands our scientific understanding of TBI but also translates into tangible improvements in the lives of those affected.
Health Equity and Inclusion
Underserved communities often face barriers to essential TBI care and rehabilitation, hindering recovery. My research explores how social determinants, including socioeconomic status and access to healthcare, impact recovery outcomes. By prioritizing diverse representation and amplifying marginalized voices, I aim to develop solutions that promote equitable and inclusive care for all individuals with TBI.
Integrity and Transparency
I believe that scientific progress is built on trust, reproducibility, and open collaboration. To uphold these values, I provide written tutorials on my blog detailing the methodologies and R code I've used to analyze data in my past research, ensuring that others can replicate, critique, and build upon my work. My goal is to foster accountability and contribute to a culture of openness that accelerates meaningful advancements in neuropsychology through the prioritization of clear reporting and accessible research practices.
Communication and Reflection
Writing allows me to translate complex scientific ideas into accessible narratives, enhancing understanding across disciplines and communities. It's also a way to reflect on the human impact of TBI, connecting research findings to the lived experiences of patients and families. Whether through publications, blog posts, or tutorials, I strive to communicate in ways that inspire collaboration, inform practice, and empower those affected by brain injury.