About
I am a cellular immunologist with a particular interest in CD4+ Helper T cells. Although CD4+ T cells are an indispensable component of protective immunity, these cells can also drive diseases like allergies and asthma. My longterm goal is to discover basic mechanisms of CD4+ T cell priming and memory maintenance in an effort to delete harmful T cells while leaving the helpful varieties undisturbed.
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My non-academic life... I served in the Peace Corps in Mozambique (2005-2007). In my free time, I enjoy building guitar pedals, biking, hiking, camping, and shouting happily/angrily at the TV during Wisconsin sports games.
Education
2015-2021
University of Wiscosin - Madison
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Department of Pediatrics
Advisor: Bruce Klein, MD
2011-2015
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Doctor of Philosophy
Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology
Advisor: Kirsten Nielsen, PhD
Co-Advisor: Paul Bohjanen, MD/PhD
1999-2005
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bachelor of Science
Biochemistry
Awards, Scholarships and Grants
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Hartwell Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship
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Outstanding Student Service Award. University of Minnesota MICAB Graduate Program
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Dennis W. Watson Fellowship. University of Minnesota Department of Microbiology
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Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship. University of Minnesota Graduate School
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Young Investigator Award. Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections