My Outreach Goals

As a first-generation college student and a minority woman in STEM, I want to encourage students of all ages and backgrounds to pursue science. From elementary school to college, I've never had a science teacher or professor who looked like me or came from a similar background as me which was discouraging since I knew I wanted to become a scientist. Now that I am on my path, I enjoy participating in outreach and volunteer programs that allow me to set an example for students that anyone from any background can become a scientist with hard work. I hope to be an encouraging and supportive role model for children and students of all ages and backgrounds to get involved with science because science is awesome and only gets better with more diverse perspectives! Below are some activities and programs I'm involved with! 

Outreach and Service Activities

 Created and Led "Why the PhD" a McNair Scholars Workshop - Fall 2021

I had an amazing opportunity to design and lead a workshop about the value of obtaining a PhD, how graduate school works, and how to apply for undergraduate students in the McNair Scholars Program. This workshop was geared towards first generation college students and historically underrepresented groups to help prepare them for the application process for graduate school. 

McNair Scholars Program Graduate Student Peer Mentor - Summer 2021

In the summer of 2021 I had an incredible opportunity to work with and mentor 14 undergraduate McNair Scholars during their summer research experience where I provided guidance and feedback on research plans, presentations, and graduate school applications. This program aims to prepare undergraduate students for graduate school and provides research experience and skills needed for a successful graduate career and beyond. To learn more about the UNH McNair program click here!
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2021 McNair Scholars Summer Cohort at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration in New York

Radio Interview with WNTK highlighting Ectopleura Research - Summer 2021

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Ectopleura (in Pink) fouling the underside of a floating dock
Earlier this summer (2021) I gave an interview with WNTK about my research with Ectopleura which is a local biofouling species, and the impact my research has on developing environmentally safe anti-fouling strategies for the aquaculture industry. 

Interview with UNH Today and Granite Geek Journalist - Spring 2021

This Spring (2021) I gave two interviews to journalist about my research with Ectopleura which is a local biofouling species. Check out the articles here: Granite Geek article and UNH Today article
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Ectopleura (in pink) fouling a floating dock

UNH Graduate School Peer Mentor - Dec 2020 - Current 

Since Dec. 2020 I have been mentoring fellow underrepresented minority graduate students in the MCBS department by organizing and leading bi-weekly meetings and helping students navigate graduate school. The aim of this mentorship program is to create a safe inclusive environment to help students navigate grad school and prepare students for successful careers while fostering a supportive community.

Representative on the Graduate Student Council for the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering  - Nov 2020 - Current 

I'm currently a representative on the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering (SMSOE) Graduate Student Council where we work with the SMSOE Executive Committees and advocate for the needs and interests of current graduate students in SMSOE. To learn more about the SMSOE Graduate Student Council click here!

Planning Committee Member for Benthic Ecology Meeting 2022 - Oct 2019 - Current

​I'm currently a member on the planning committee for the 2022 Benthic Ecology Meeting (BEM) which is being hosted by UNH. This conference was originally scheduled for 2021 but was postponed to 2022. Additionally, I am an active member on the DEI committee for this conference. Check out the website here! The meeting will be March 29th-April 2nd in Portsmouth, NH at the Sheraton Hotel! 

3 Minute Thesis - 2019 1st Place Winner 

The Three Minute Thesis is a competition for graduate students to explain their research in three minutes with no technical jargon and one static powerpoint slide. In 2019 I was awarded first place in the competition , you can watch my video from the final round presentations below! For more information about the UNH 3 Minute Thesis Click ​Here. 

Science Sleuths  - Co-Instructor -2019-Present

UNH Science Sleuths is a program that encourages young children (pre-school and kindergarten) to learn and get involved with science. This program meets once a month to learn about a new topic that is presented by UNH graduate students. The program involves children learning about a topic through a presentation and discussion followed by a corresponding craft. To learn more about this awesome program visit the Science Sleuths website here!

Graduate Student Lab Mentor for High School student and Undergrads -2017-Present

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Instructing our high school mentee on how to run gel-electrophoresis
Since joining the Plachetzki lab, I have been a graduate student mentor to undergraduate students in the lab. It is very exciting and I enjoy connecting concepts the undergraduate students learn in their courses to real applicable situations in the research we are doing. Recently, I have even helped mentor a high school student in her senior research thesis. I had the opportunity to teach her lab techniques such as PCR, gel-electrophoresis, and even In vitro digestions using CRISPR/Cas9! 

Poster Judge for High School Symposium - 2019

I volunteered to be a poster judge for the Northern New England Junior Science and Humanities Symposium High School Program. It was truly amazing to see the hard work and research these students have been working on throughout high school. 

Guest Talk for Comparative Genomics course at Shoals Marine Lab - 2018
I gave a guest talk on my research at Shoals for the genomics class.​ 
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A picture at Shoals Marine Lab, Appledore Island, ME