Science Outreach, Inclusion and Leadership
As a researcher, I place a strong emphasis on science outreach and community engagement. I have participated in a variety of outreach activities that reflect my commitment to making science accessible and impactful. In my extracurricular work, I incorporate principles of equity and inclusion, with the goal of fostering a supportive and connected scientific community both on campus and beyond.
Young Women in STEM (YWIS) Workshop Event Planning Committee
2023-Present
Image From YWIS Scientific Illustration Activity During the 5/3/25 Workshop
We plan and conduct a day-long workshop each semester for local middle school students. The attendees participate in engaging scientific activities and demonstrations while being introduced to careers in science.
I help facilitate the workshops and work with the students on the day of the event. I work extensively with logistics, advertising and event preparation.
Additionally, I design and generate all of our graphical promotional materials and day-of signage. My materials are used and distributed in digital and print media promoting the workshop to schools and members of the community.
YWIS Workshops to Date:
4/22/2023 Theme: Sci-Fi Science: Where science-fiction meets science-fact!
12/2/2023 Theme: Winter Science: An afternoon in a scientific winter wonderland!
4/20/2024 Theme: Earth Day: Don’t let Earth Day be anticlimactic!
12/7/2024 Theme: The Magic of Science!
5/3/2025 Theme: April Showers Bring May Flowers!
11/15/2025 Theme: Gameday!
Science Ambassador for the Penn State Chapter of National DNA Day
2022-Present
I am part of an outreach organization that connects with underrepresented and/or underprivileged high school students to teach a class about topics in genetics and introduce them to careers in science.
As a science Ambassador I prepared and gave lessons on genetics each April for students at multiple high schools in the Pennsylvania.
DNA Day Talks to Date:
4/29/2022 Theme: Genetics and Forensics
4/20/2023 Theme: Genomics and Inheritance
4/21/2023 Theme: Genetics and Forensics
4/09/2024 Theme: Genetics and Forensics
4/10/2025 Theme: Symbiosis and the Microbiome
Penn State GenoMix Organization
Member: 2021-Present
Executive Board: 2024-Present
GenoMix is an organization for students with research related to Bioinformatics and Genomics. We participate in mentoring of graduate students, professional development activities, workshops, and outreach. We provide materials to help new graduate students adjust and thrive in their environment. Further, the organization strives to create a community and a belonging across graduate programs.
Graduate Women in Science (GWIS)
Penn State Chapter of National GWIS Organization.
Member: 2021-Present
The GWIS organization supports diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and equal opportunity in science. GWIS is a national organization with the mission of connecting, empowering, and leading. GWIS aims to advance the participation of women in traditionally male dominated STEM fields.