I completed my PhD in developmental psychology from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, with a minor in human genetics. Currently I am a post-doctoral fellow at the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia. My adviser is Michael Kobor, PhD. Broadly, I am interested in the biological embedding of early life trauma and the manner by which children show resilience despite experiencing adversity. More specifically I am interested in how trauma may alter the activity of children’s genes, through epigenetic processes, to undermine psychological and physical health. Equally, I am fascinated with how positive life experiences, such as mindfulness exercises, constructive parenting, and compassionate friendship can counteract the impacts of trauma. Understanding the epigenetics of both trauma and positive environments may aid in more productive efforts to improve children’s lives.
