Degrees and Experience

I received my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Indiana University in Bloomington. I went on to earn a Ph.D. in Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology from University of Louisville. My dissertation topic was the “Reorganization of Excitatory and Inhibitory Pathways Following Experimental Status Epilepticus.” My dissertation advisor was Dr. Michael Gruenthal, MD, and Ph.D. I received my certificate in Preparing for Future Faculty program from the University of Louisville. This special university-wide program included instruction in college teaching, seminars in higher education and mentoring, and development of professional portfolios.

In the Fall of 1998 I began working as a teaching assistant for the course "Dental Gross Anatomy" at the University of Louisville Dental School.  From there I went on to become a teaching assistant for a "Medical Neurobiology" course at the University of Louisville Medical School.  I instructed the "Prematriculation Program," which included Medical Gross Anatomy, Medical Microscopic Anatomy and Medical Embryology, during the summer of 1999 and 2000.  I also worked as a laboratory assistant and Co-Course Director of “Human Biology 114” at Bellarmine University, Louisville, Kentucky. My responsibilities in these various positions included collaborative development of course contents for lecture presentations and complementary laboratory sessions, development of lecture and laboratory practical exams, proctoring written and laboratory exams, and providing instruction to medical students during laboratory dissections.

ACADEMIC HONORS:

• 2000-Awarded third place in Research Day Poster Presentation, University of Louisville Medical School, Louisville, Kentucky.

• 1998-Awarded four year University Fellowship, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.