Hometown
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Undergraduate education
Bachelor of science in neurobiology, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Employer
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Job Title
Research Scientist
Start Date
July 2024
Primary job responsibilities
I currently work for the Center for Health Disparities Research as a scientist. We do work that aims to alleviate Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias by understanding how the life course affects outcomes. As a scientist, I mentor trainees, write grants and papers, and help the organization function in general.
Describe a project that best illustrates your job
One project I have done is working with the City of Milwaukee Water Works for information on how they use one of our projects, the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), in their work. The ADI is a measure of neighborhood disparities and goes to the census block-level. The city uses it to help determine where they should take out lead pipes first to help mitigate lead poisoning in children. We are hoping to work more closely with them to help other local governments and private entities focus their work. I will then write a manuscript about this partnership and hopefully publish it!
How do you use what you learned at La Follette on the job?
I use my skills from my internship and my knowledge of federal and local government systems to better write grants and talk with stakeholders to further our research. I am also better apt to write about interdisciplinary work like mine because I have both a neuroscience and policy background.
What experiences shaped your decision to pursue a master’s degree in public affairs?
I really wanted to have a better understanding of the socioeconomic reasons behind why there are changes in the brain. To do this, it was important to get better training in not just neuroscience. My research lab in undergrad really hit this home to me, and I saw how educational policy shaped how kids learned. I wanted to continue integrating the two disciplines, and so I found a program that allowed me to do so.
What drew you to the La Follette School?
Honestly, it was the dual degree programs that drew me to the La Follette School. They had major flexibility and allowed me to take a diverse set of classes for my degree.
Project assistantships while at La Follette
I interned for Tony Evers, the Governor of Wisconsin in his communications office.
What impact did your client-based projects have on your career?
It was great understanding how local government works, as I worked with town and state-level clients.
Most rewarding experience at the La Follette School
I really enjoyed the friends I made while at the La Follette School. Those connections are so important to me and my life, and many of them are still very important to me to this day, including some that were even in my wedding! I highly suggest making the most out of social and academic time at the La Follette School.
Honors or awards earned after La Follette School
I have received a teaching award from Harvard University (where I did my postdoc), and a research fellowship!
Favorite book & Madison restaurant?
My current favorite book is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. My favorite Madison restaurant is Fairchild.