Year in School: Sophomore

Hometown: Rapid City, SD

Major(s)/Minor(s): Physics: Biophysics Major

Special Academic Program(s): Gemstone Honors Program, Banneker/Key 

Research: Exoplanet & asteroid dynamics w/ NASA Ames Research Center & UMD Astronomy Dept., Cell biophysics research w/ UMD Physics/Biophysics Dept., Zika virus/glioblastoma research w/ Gemstone honors college + Children’s National Hospital

Internships: NASA & UMD Astronomy Dept. Intern (Remote, Summer 2026), Biosystems and Bioengineering REU Intern at the University of Virginia (Summer 2026)

Clubs and Organizations, Including Leadership: Secretary for the UMD Biophysical Society Chapter (New Club! We are just starting this)

Favorite CMNS Classes: MATH 340/341 (Linear Algebra, Calc III, and Differential Equations), CHEM 231/232 (Organic Chemistry I & II)

Favorite Spots on Campus: I love McKeldin Mall and the Clarice Performing Arts Library!

In my Free Time, I Enjoy: I love to run, hike, backpack, and be outside in nature! I also love watercolor painting, traveling to new places, ballet, and reading.

Advice for High School Seniors When Choosing a College: Deciding where to spend the next four years of your life, and where to receive your degree and education from, is such a difficult thing to do. Through all of that pressure, just remember that college is what you make it! Every school offers incredible opportunities, and no matter where you end up, you can thrive if you choose to.