My journey began at Sierra College, a place that holds a special spot in my heart. At Sierra, I discovered my passion for learning and met incredible mentors who guided me through the initial stages of my academic career. I also found my love for teaching and sharing knowledge as a Chemistry tutor. I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and have Associate of Science degrees in Biology, Psychology, Social and Behavioral Studies, and Natural Sciences. The close-knit community and supportive environment provided me with a solid foundation, preparing me for the next big step.

From Sierra College, I transferred to the University of California, Davis, where I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in biology. My time at UC Davis was transformative and challenging, especially as I navigated the unique circumstances of graduating during the COVID 19 pandemic. I was in the University Honors Program and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. During my studies, I completed an undergraduate research project where I shed light on the difficulties experienced by undergraduates transferring from a community college to a university. I presented my work at conferences and also helped develop new methods for helping new transfer students in the University Honors Program. Despite the hurdles, I emerged stronger, equipped with not only academic knowledge but also resilience and adaptability.

While I love psychology, I wanted to focus on more biology related topics. Currently, I am a neuroscience graduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno. This phase of my academic journey is both thrilling and demanding as I delve deeper into my chosen field. Never would I have thought that I would be a graduate student for the Integrative Neuroscience Program at UNR working with the Mexican tetra fish on gonad development – but here we are! Being part of the vibrant UNR community has allowed me to collaborate with peers and professors who inspire and challenge me every day.