I grew up in Rochester, New York where I spent most of my childhood either at soccer practice or playing outdoors. My adoration of all things nature can be attributed to my father. We would watch PBS documentaries together, go camping each summer with our family, and he in general had a great appreciation for animals and the outside world. My choice to be a biology major at the University of Pittsburgh was mostly due to that childhood influence. I stumbled upon the Relyea lab during my junior year and worked there for two years as an undergraduate, studying mostly under the guidance of Rickey Cothran. Post-graduation, I worked at the University of Rochester as a Clinical Technician for a short time and then as a Research Specialist back in the Relyea Lab for just under 4 years. I occasionally write and edit practice AP multiple choice questions for Bedford, Freeman & Worth publishing.