Hometown
Las Vegas, Nevada
Program/Degree
Medical Scientist Training Program - MD/PhD
What inspired you to pursue this degree?
I was inspired to pursue both my MD and PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) because I became passionate about bridging the worlds of medicine and science. This degree path uniquely equips students to recognize clinical problems at the bedside and investigate them in the lab, which has the opportunity to transform medical observations into meaningful scientific discoveries.
Why did you choose Duke?
I chose Duke for both professional and personal reasons. Professionally, Duke is a world-renowned leader in clinical medicine and translational research, offering exceptional opportunities for growth and mentorship. Personally, I was drawn to the lifestyle North Carolina offers, with its walking trails, proximity to beaches and mountains, low cost of living, and manageable pace of life.
Do you have a favorite memory from your program?
Some of my favorite memories come from the everyday moments spent with my lab mates in the Wood Lab — discussing science, sharing life updates, and procrastinating for a bit too long. I was incredibly lucky to be part of such a collaborative and uplifting environment during my graduate training.
How do you hope to make an impact with your career?
I plan to become a physician-scientist specializing in oncology, combining patient care with cancer research in my own laboratory. My goal is to identify novel therapeutic strategies in the lab and directly translate those findings to improve outcomes for patients I treat in the clinic.
What was the most important thing you learned at Duke?
The most important lesson I’ve learned at Duke is how profoundly the training environment shapes your scientific mindset and productivity. Duke fosters a culture of innovation, curiosity, and collaboration that constantly pushes the frontiers of knowledge. I’m incredibly grateful for the world-class training I’ve received here over the past eight years — it’s laid the foundation for the rest of my career.
