BIO
I currently hold dual positions at Francis Marion University as Associate Professor of Biology and Coordinator for the African and African American Studies Program. My naturally curious and inquisitive nature has led me to be a lover of science my entire life. I have always had particular interest in humans and the biological processes that drive human behavior. My desire to understand the biological basis of human behavior led me to earn a BS in Neuroscience and a PhD in Biomedical Science, with an emphasis in Neuroscience.
Throughout my career, I have taught a variety of courses including introductory, upper level, and special topics courses. My research largely focuses on understanding various aspects of social interactions and on the cross-section between social interactions and implicit racial bias.
I am originally from Charleston, SC and currently live in Florence, SC with my family. In my personal time I enjoy creating, reading, writing, moving, and spending time with my friends and family.
Education
2002-2006
Furman University
Greenville, SC, USA
2006-2011
University of South Carolina - School of Medicine
Columbia, SC, USA
BS - Neuroscience
As an undergraduate student, I discovered my love for neuroscience research. Mentored by Dr. Judy Grisel, I worked on a variety of collaborative projects including an investigation into the effects of genetic background and biological sex on alcohol sensitivity.
PhD - Biomedical Sciences
Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
As a graduate student, my love of research matured and led to mastery of a new set of research skills. My graduate research focused on understanding the age differences of insulin effects on neural plasticity in rats.