I received my BScH in Forensic Science at Ontario Tech University where I specialized in Biology in May 2020. I completed an honours thesis under the supervision of Cecilia Hageman and Stacey Sainte-Marie and my project focused on determining if reasonable inferences could be established about the initial deposition of saliva based on the results of Phadebas ® Press Tests. The study aimed to help scientists provide transparency in the relationship between evidence found at a crime scene and the hypotheses that the scientists must evaluate in a court room.

As you can see, my undergraduate experience was very different from all the stuff going on in this lab. But I loved the idea of working with bugs throughout my undergrad and freeze tolerance fascinated me when I stumbled upon this website. I knew I had to reach out to Dr. Sinclair and was thrilled when I was accepted into the lab. I started my MSc work at Dr. Brent Sinclair's laboratory in September 2020 where I will be developing and optimizing an RNA interference protocol in the spring field cricket (Gryllus veletis). This protocol will be useful in determining the underlying mechanisms of freeze tolerance in these insects.