I am an upcoming junior majoring in human physiology studying how environmental factors in utero influence metabolic health trajectory of offspring, with a major focus being the impacts on pancreatic development. The endocrine portion of the pancreas is crucial for maintaining proper blood glucose regulation. Beta cells and alpha cells are responsible for producing insulin (lowers blood glucose) and glucagon (raises blood glucose), respectively. Therefore, changes in the development of these cells and their overall quantity can have major consequences for metabolic health. My project in the Alejandro lab examines how microbial exposure during pregnancy affects pancreatic endocrine cells and future metabolic health outcomes in offspring. Specifically, I perform imaging and quantitative analyses to determine beta cell and alpha cell mass. These data are critical to increase our understanding of how environmental factors impact offspring development and shape glucose metabolism. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, running, spending time with my friends and family, and playing pickleball. I also enjoy volunteering at Ronald McDonald as an after school activities aide!
