After growing up in Bettendorf, Iowa, I began studying physics and computer science and minoring in astronomy and math at Iowa State University (ISU). I am now a fourth-year undergraduate, and I intend to earn my Ph.D. in astrophysics after graduating next spring. Later I plan to do research at a national lab or other research institute.

For the last three years, I have been involved in high energy astronomy research at ISU. We are currently working on developing a maximum likelihood method for examining extended gamma ray sources such as supernova remnants. In the past, I have participated in the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship Program at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory where I worked on developing an adaptive binning method for finding transient sources in data from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. Last summer, I participated in the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory where I worked on improving the methods for classifying infrared sources through machine learning techniques.

Outside of my research, I have played clarinet in the ISU Wind Ensemble, been involved in the Honors Student Board, and done outreach through our Physics and Astronomy Club. Additionally, I co-founded and became President of the ISU Society of Women in Physics and Astronomy, which helped host the 2018 APS Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics at ISU. Next year, I hope to revive ISU's SPS chapter. In my spare time, I also enjoy ballet, horseback riding, and playing with my dogs.