The people in the lab

I enjoy the interface between chemistry and biology. I've worked in labs doing organic synthesis to natural product isolation to protein biochemistry. One of the basic outcomes of scientific research is the identification and characterization of biological entities (natural products, proteins/enzymes, etc.) and adapting them as tools for use in the lab or to bring a benefit to society. CRISPR-based genome editing is one of the latest 'headline producing' examples of the ways that basic scientific research can lead to paradigm shifts in the way we do science or live our lives.

I earned my Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Montana State University and am currently a postdoctoral researcher. My research focuses on the diversity, evolution, and molecular mechanisms of bacterial antiviral defense systems, particularly those associated with reverse transcriptases. By integrating bioinformatics, comparative genomics, phylogenetics, and experimental approaches, I aim to uncover previously uncharacterized defense mechanisms and understand how bacteria have evolved diverse strategies to combat viral infections. I am also interested in exploring the potential biotechnological applications of these systems. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, biking, traveling, and playing guitar.

I am primarily engaged in understanding the intricacies of biological systems co-evolved due to symbiotic or antagonistic relationships between mobile genetic elements and their microbial hosts. Further, I am interested in harnessing their potential to revolutionize biotechnology and genome editing.

My academic journey began in chemical biology. I pioneered a method to label specific gene loci with synthetic small molecules using a nuclease dead CRISPR-Cas system and bioorthogonal click chemistry. This work led me to the Sternberg lab for my postdoctoral training; supported by a cross-disciplinary fellowship from the Human Science Frontier Program, I shifted my focus entirely to life sciences to delve into the targeting pathways of type V-K CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs). At the Wiedenheft lab, my research focuses on unraveling the structure and mechanism of prokaryotic immune systems encoded as cargo by CASTs.

Outside of my professional pursuits, I am an avid photographer, and I relish long hikes and exploring the vastness of the wilderness .

I joined the Wiedenheft lab as a postdoc in January 2026. My work aims to develop molecular and genetic tools that support sustainable management of a major insect pest of cereal crops, the wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus). Before joining the lab I earned my Ph.D. studying virus infections in the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). I am passionate about contributing to insect research that translates into practical solutions for growers. When I'm not catching bugs, I enjoy baking, painting, and playing piano.

After earning my Bachelor's degree in Immunology with a focus on eukaryotes, I joined the Wiedenheft lab to explore prokaryotic immune mechanisms. My current research centers on ATPase-based antiphage defense systems in bacteria, investigating how these intricate macromolecular machines protect cells from phage attacks. Using a combination of structural biology and biochemical approaches, I aim to unravel the mechanisms that drive their function. Through this work, I aspire to complete my PhD combining expertise in both structural biology and biochemistry.

“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a scientist...” — if Martin Scorsese directed my life. I am fascinated by the molecular arms race between bacteria and phages and their microscopic world of invasion, deception and survival. As a researcher, I combine experimental biology with computational approaches to understand nature’s molecular machinery, engineer what exists and imagine what has never existed before. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am a professional actor with over a decade of experience in acting and directing. I am also a novelist, having published more than one hundred thousand words.

I graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor's degree in Bioengineering and currently work as a research assistant in the Wiedenheft Lab. I am currently working on the wheat stem sawfly project, where we aim to better understand the biology of this agricultural pest and develop new strategies to control it. We use molecular biology techniques to investigate gene expression, explore RNA interference as a potential pest control strategy, and evaluate insecticidal proteins that could target sawfly larvae. Outside the lab, I enjoy skiing, weightlifting, and spending time outdoors!

I am an undergraduate in microbiology at MSU. I joined the Wiedenheft lab because I was interested in getting into undergraduate research to see if the PhD track was right for me. In the lab, I get a peek into the intricate world of bacteriophages, proteins, and so much more. I also get to work with some amazing people who genuinely love science. In my free time, I love to read books and watch movies, as well as spend time outdoors climbing, hiking, and skiing. My one wish is to have my cats teleport to Bozeman so I could pet them. Meow!

As a Colorado native, I grew up fascinated by wildlife and the ways organisms adapt to their environments. This curiosity about the mechanisms of adaptation led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in microbiology and ultimately brought me to the Wiedenheft Lab, where I study bacterial defense systems, specifically defense-associated reverse transcriptases. I believe conflict drives adaptation, and adaptation drives innovation. By exploring the boundaries of known biology, we can uncover novel therapeutics and biotechnologies with the potential to transform medicine and beyond. Outside of the lab, you can find me wading through rivers, carving up the slopes, or volunteering in the community.

I am a current undergraduate student at MSU studying Cell Biology & Neuroscience while going down the pre-med track. I currently love the research I am doing on exploring the Wheat Stem Sawfly. Even though this is my area of research, my primary passion is medicine. I currently work in a hospital as a PCT and volunteer as an EMT in my free time, which will hopefully prepare me for my future career as an Emergency Medicine Doctor! Besides these, I like to read, cook, go to the gym, go indoor rock climbing, and play the guitar in my free time.

Originally from Missoula, Montana, I am an undergraduate microbiology student at Montana State University. My research in the Wiedenheft Lab focuses on defense-associated reverse transcriptases (DRTs) and bacterial defense systems. I hope that the work I do in research will contribute to scientific discoveries that can eventually make a difference in human medicine. In the future, I am interested in pursuing a career in medicine or scientific research. Outside the lab, I enjoy trail-running in the mountains around Bozeman, skiing, fly-fishing, and playing the violin.