Hometown
Fayetteville, North Carolina
What inspired you to pursue this degree?
Since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the diversity of organisms and the complexity of life. It was always a goal to pursue advanced studies in biology, but following my undergraduate degree in 2005, I commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. I have been very fortunate in my service and now my employer has provided me the opportunity to fulfill my long-term goal of advanced studies in a biological science.
Why did you choose Duke?
Duke’s PhD Biological Science Programs are consistently ranked among the best in the world. I knew that by attending Duke I would learn from and collaborate with faculty and staff conducting cutting-edge research as well as having access to state-of-the-art instrumentation through the Duke Core Research facilities.
Do you have a favorite memory from your program?
There is not a single memory that prevails. I’ve been blessed to work in a newly constructed building with a modern open bay laboratory design. I’ve had the opportunity to develop relationships and collaborate with multiple labs on our floor. I know that it will be the people and the relationships I have made that will occupy my memories of Duke.
How do you hope to make an impact with your career?
Following graduation, I will be taking an instructor position in the Chemistry and Life Science Department at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. I hope to share my experience and my knowledge to inspire the next generation of Army leaders.
What was the most important thing you learned at Duke?
I will not be able to answer this question for years. I’ll have to grapple with the adversity that comes with life and through these struggles isolate some truth that I can attribute to my time at Duke. Right now, I can say that my work at Duke has reinforced some things that I already believe to be true: failure is inevitable, fail forward and learn from your mistakes. People are the most important thing. Intelligence is not a substitute for hard work and effort.