I’m interested in better understanding how the systems we depend on — both the biological mechanisms within our bodies and the healthcare structures in society — can break down and lead to suffering. I'm also passionate about highlighting the stories that emerge as we attempt to address these system failures. 

My research broadly focuses on better understanding the molecular mechanisms behind neurological diseases, with the ultimate goal of developing preventive treatments. Previously, I worked at the Center for Metabolic Studies at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center to find therapeutic targets to help individuals with a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's Disease (Press). Now, I'm with the Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), uncovering the role of opioid receptor systems in neuropsychiatric diseases under the NIH BRAIN Initiative. 

I believe in the importance of improving health literacy for youth and underserved communities as a means of preventing diseases. I am the founder of Health4US, an organization with over 250 members from 14 countries (check out this podcast). We have designed and are now piloting a year-long public health course for 6th-grade students. I currently serve as my district's representative on the Loudoun Health Commission and the student representative on the LCPS School Health Advisory Board. Formerly, I was a volunteer at the Mason & Partners Free Clinic, where I created an online network of community health centers and free clinics across Virginia to help uninsured & underinsured individuals find proper care. I was also the Vice-Chair of the Northern Virginia Science Center Youth Advisory Board.

Through Health4US, I've co-published 8 books as part of our "A Child's Introduction to" medical book series and am now working with our team to translate these books into Spanish, Arabic, and other languages. I've also published pieces for the Institute for Healthcare Advancement, Health Literacy Solutions Center, KevinMD.com, Nyural.ai, LoudounNOW, and others on my thoughts & experiences in the field of medicine.