My PhD research was in the field of synthetic biology, and my current postdoctoral research utilizes tissue engineering methods for early detection of metastatic cancer. I am broadly interested in employing engineering methods at the molecular, cellular, and tissue level to better understand and devise new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for difficult to treat human diseases. In addition to advancing knowledge in the laboratory setting and translating these findings to the clinic, I am interested moreover in communicating them to the lay audience to promote scientific literacy and engage the broader community in discussion of ethical and policy matters.