I was born in Colorado and raised in Wisconsin. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a Bachelors of Science while majoring in Microbiology. My research there mainly focused on the production of Aflatoxins from specific molds that grow in agriculture and how to reduce the toxicity in order to reduce food waste in the US. I continued my food research in Silicon Valley where I gained more insight into food safety and quality. I decided to segway into a more entrepreneurial based role to gain experience in creating and managing a team, before deciding to combine those skills with my research skills and interests in how the diet impacts the human gut microbiome. Thus, I joined the Patnode Lab at UCSC in 2022. When I am not in the lab, you can find me either surfing, running or walking my dog Millie.