I am a PhD student in the Molecular Cell Biology program. I received my BS in Biology from Missouri Baptist University. After working in industry for a year, I joined Dr. Frolova as a research assistant in 2018 and worked in the lab full time until 2022 when I started my PhD program here at WashU and re-joined as a graduate student.
My project in the lab focuses on the myometrium, the uterine muscle layer composed of smooth muscle cells whose role in parturition is to contract to expulse the fetus and continue contracting post-delivery to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. The main goal of my project is to define the physiological mechanisms contributing to dysfunctional labor in the setting of maternal obesity. For this project we use a combination of cell and mouse models to determine metabolic requirements of the myometrium during parturition. My research interests include metabolism, muscle energetics, obesity and GPCRs.
Outside the lab I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and our two cats, as well as playing and watching soccer, hiking, board games, exploring the STL food scene and travelling.
Favorite thing about the Frolova Lab: The collaborative and inclusive environment of our lab, and the great mentorship received from Dr. Frolova through the years.