I am a developmental biologist interested in how cells make decisions in complex, living environments. My path to studying blood stem cells began with a fascination for the cytoskeleton and live imaging, and evolved through training in Drosophila genetics, where I learned the power of observing cell behavior directly in vivo. These experiences continue to shape how I think about stem cell regulation, fate choice, and the importance of spatial and temporal context in biology.
My research centers on how hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells decide when to self-renew, differentiate, or respond to stress. Broadly, I am interested in how cells integrate extracellular cues from their environment with intrinsic regulatory programs, including cell-cycle control, polarity, and cytoskeletal organization. More specifically, my lab investigates how spatially and temporally regulated signaling pathways—such as Wnt/β-catenin, EGFR, JNK, and redox signaling—intersect with cell-cycle progression to control fate transitions, with a particular focus on asymmetric cell division in vivo. We use Drosophila as a discovery platform to identify conserved mechanisms that inform mammalian blood biology and disease.
Beyond the bench, I am deeply motivated by mentorship, teaching, and building inclusive scientific communities. I care strongly about training scientists at all stages, demystifying the research process, and creating lab environments where curiosity, rigor, and collaboration thrive. I am also inspired by connecting basic discovery to broader human impact—whether through public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, or supporting the next generation of scientists in finding their voice and place in science.