I am a proud alumnus of Texas A&M University where I earned my B.A. in Psychology and Spanish with a minor in Neuroscience. In July of 2017, I joined the lab of Dr. Yakeel Quiroz of Massachusetts General Hospital. I will pursue a doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Boston University in the fall of 2017 under the mentorship of Dr. Alice Cronin-Golomb. My primary research and clinical interests include the neuropsychological assessment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. I am interested in a variety of research techniques that can help us better understand the pathogenesis of these diseases and, ultimately, allow us to accurately diagnose these diseases earlier. By identifying individuals early with a high-risk of developing a specific neurological condition, pharmaceutical advancements can be designed to prevent these conditions from developing in lieu of the current reactionary medical approach. By working with Dr. Quiroz and the Colombian kindred cohort of familial Alzheimer's disease, I hope to contribute to our understanding of which neuropsycholigical assessment tools and cognitive domains are most sensitive and specific to the earliest observeable brain changes seen in Alzheimer's disease.
During my time at Texas A&M, I conducted research about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the lab of Dr. Steve Balsis. Through the use of large databases that track AD biomarkers, such as brain volume and cerebral spinal fluid, I worked with Dr. Balsis on creating empirical models that can be used by researchers and clinicians to further understand AD. I recieved awards at university-wide and nation-wide research conferences for my work with Balsis' group. I also worked with Dr. Annmarie MacNamara and her group that uses electroencephalogram to analyze emotional response to cognitive factors.
In the summer of 2015, I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador where I volunteered at the Fundación TASE Alzheimer’s Center for 135 contact hours, gaining valuable clinical experience working with dementia patients. In the arena of public health, I worked part-time for my last 1.5 years of college with the Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as the Brazos Valley Regional Outreach Intern. Through this role, I educated the community about AD and coordinated our large annual fundraising event, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Outside of the academic realm, I enjoy playing tennis, skiing, playing board games (especially Settlers of Catan), going to Fightin' Texas Aggie football with friends, traveling, and taking photographs. I also have played the piano for 13 years, and I especially enjoy playing Christian worship songs and traditional hymns.