Hometown: Washington, DC
Undergraduate: Virginia Tech College of Science, BS in Biochemistry
Graduate: George Washington University, MS in Anatomical and Translational Sciences

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you came to Drexel?

After completing my master’s degree, I worked for a year in a lab focused on developing a malaria vaccine. I then sought more direct clinical experience, which led me to a position as a medical assistant with a pediatric and craniofacial plastic surgeon for three years. I found this role incredibly fulfilling; I loved building long-term relationships with patients and witnessing the significant impact of our work. For example, a two-hour cleft lip surgery can transform a patient's ability to integrate, communicate and smile, which is truly remarkable. This experience deepened my desire to learn more and confirmed that a career as a physician was my true calling.

Outside of work, I have many hobbies that I still enjoy, such as brewing beer, listening to vinyl records, cooking and hiking. I grew up in a military family, which meant we moved every two years. However, I consider Washington, DC, my hometown, as my family has been based there for about ten years. Living in and around the District of Columbia for six of those years, I spent my free time exploring new restaurants, attending baseball games, and walking through different neighborhoods with my wife.

How did your undergraduate experiences prepare you for medical school?

My undergraduate experience equipped me for medical school in several ways — academically, professionally and personally. I gained a strong foundation in biochemistry that has been essential for understanding medical coursework. I also faced challenges early on, struggling to adjust my learning style, and failing to seek help when needed. With guidance from counselors and professors, I learned to self-reflect and became more confident in asking for assistance. This has been invaluable in medical school, where I approach challenges with enthusiasm.

Tell me about your research on malaria and on traumatic brain injury (TBI). How did that prepare you for medical school?

My lab in graduate school focused on developing vaccines for malaria targeting numerous modalities. I worked closely with the principal investigator and post-doctorate and other students. The environment was collaborative, and leaders encouraged discussion. I looked forward to the weekly lab meetings as an opportunity to synthesize my data and communicate my findings. My project sought to better characterize the effect of prior exposure to malaria on the efficacy of our lab-developed vaccines. This prepared me for medical school by showing me the depth of scientific research and how much goes into vaccine development. I gained an appreciation for basic science research that allows me to approach tough concepts with a curious approach.

I also spent the summers after my junior and senior years working in a lab investigating TBI at a Navy research center. This was my first significant experience in a basic science lab, and the topic was particularly compelling due to its relevance to military personnel. We worked alongside one of the largest military hospitals, studying novel molecular markers of TBI and the effects of low-grade blast exposure. This experience taught me about the complexity of scientific research and the various approaches needed to tackle challenging problems, leaving me eager to learn more.

What are you enjoying about your time in medical school so far? What do you enjoy about studying in Philadelphia?

I am thoroughly enjoying medical school so far. The challenge of learning complex material is gratifying, and I love collaborating with my classmates. Although the workload can be intense, I find energy in learning about the human body and sharing that knowledge with others. I appreciate the diverse learning styles at Drexel including the ILs, TBLs, CBLs, and lab. This variety makes for a very dynamic learning experience.

Living in Philadelphia has also been a joy. The city is vibrant and full of activities. In my free time, I enjoy walking around Rittenhouse Square, watching Philadelphia sports teams, trying new restaurants, and biking around the city.