How did you become interested in cannabis studies?/What attracted you to cannabis research specifically?
Even before I was involved in academic research, I saw how cannabis calmed and sedated certain individuals, while producing anxiety and paranoia in others. I always wondered what made individuals more susceptible to different types of responses. During my graduate training under Harriet de Wit, PhD at the University of Chicago I was fortunate to explore this curiosity further through studying the effects of orally administered delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the main psychoactive constituent within cannabis – in healthy human volunteers.
What attracted you to LA?/What attracted you to UCLA?
Two things: (1) the opportunity to work with Dr. Cooper at the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids and (2) the UCLA IRACDA Program. Dr. Cooper has been a respected role model and mentor across my academic research career. Our research interests align and throughout my graduate training I read and cited her work consistently. She has always been amiable and supportive of me, even from afar, so the opportunity to work with her was one I could not pass up. The UCLA IRACDA program is a training program for postdoctoral candidates who have an expressed interest in teaching, research, mentoring, and supporting diversity in STEM fields. Since my first TA experience, although daunting and at times humbling, I have found teaching immensely fulfilling. With my research experience and passion for teaching, the UCLA IRACDA program was ideal for facilitating my journey toward a future career in academia.
What are you most looking forward to here at UCLA?/What are you most looking forward to in your work here at the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids?
With the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids being relatively young, yet flourishing and growing, I am immensely excited to see how my unique experience, skills, and perspective add to its development. I also look forward to receiving additional training in FDA-regulated research practices, INDs, and Schedule I licensing procedures.
What do you like to do outside of work?/ What do you like to do in your time away from work?
Outside of work I love yoga (both doing and teaching), hiking, rock climbing and pretty much any other outdoor activity. While in Chicago I began urban farming and growing organic produce, so I’d love to find a place to do that here in LA! I also love live music and dancing, so don’t be surprised if you catch me on a dance floor!
Postdoctoral Fellows
