| Penn CURF

My research interests focus on assisting in the pursuit of tissue engineering a total living spinal disc for implantation in lieu of spinal fusions and artificial disc replacements (ADRs).
Broadly, I am interested in degenerative disc disease's pathophysiology, as well as how alternative treatments (spinal loading via physical activity, tissue engineered therapeutics, injectables, etc.) may be able to reverse the course of disease.

Currently, I am an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Gullbrand Laboratory, part of both the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at PSOM and the Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center at the CMCVAMC. The Gullbrand Lab studies the structure and function of the spine, how degenerative disc disease occurs, as well as how to reverse or remedy it.

Extracurricularly, I am involved in the Penn Beekeeping Club, Penn Club Women's Rugby, the Biology Student Advisory Committee, the United Community Clinic (UCC), Medical Volunteers for Prevention (MVP), and the Kidney Screening Disease and Awareness Program (KDSAP).

UScholars Summer Research Training Funding, 2025
UScholars Summer Research Project Funding, 2026
Peer Mentor Group Leader

Academic Major(s): Health and Societies, Biology