Alumni & Friends

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What is your current role and what has your career path looked like since completing your PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Louisville?

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the Immunology Center of Georgia at Augusta University, where I lead a research program investigating how neutrophils and their progenitors shape the tumor microenvironment and influence cancer progression and anti-tumor immunity. My scientific journey began with my Ph.D. training at the University of Louisville, where I studied macrophage plasticity under the mentorship of Dr. Jill Suttles. I subsequently continued my training at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology and served as a Project Scientist at the University of California, San Diego, from 2020 to 2023. These experiences broadened my scientific perspective and helped me develop the expertise and independence needed to establish my own research program. In May 2023, I joined Augusta University as an Assistant Professor and launched my independent laboratory. Although my current research focuses on neutrophil biology in cancer—a field quite different from my Ph.D. research on macrophages—the scientific principles I learned during graduate school continue to guide my work. Today, I combine advanced technologies, including single-cell sequencing and spatial multiomics, with mechanistic immunology to understand how immune cells change their functional states in disease.

Looking back, my career has been a journey of continuous learning and scientific evolution. The field I study and the technologies I use have changed substantially, but the foundation established during my Ph.D. has remained constant.

Can you share a professional accomplishment, publication, award, or project that you are particularly proud of, and why it has been meaningful to you?

One publication that holds special meaning for me is my Ph.D. work with Dr. Jill Suttles, titled “Adenosine 5′-monophosphate–activated protein kinase regulates IL-10–mediated anti-inflammatory signaling pathways in macrophages,” published in the Journal of Immunology. What makes this paper particularly meaningful is its lasting scientific impact. It remains one of my most highly cited publications, ranking second among my papers in citation count. We conducted this work using relatively conventional techniques, primarily Western blotting and RT-PCR, without the cutting-edge technologies that are now common in biomedical research. This experience reinforced an important lesson: the value of scientific research is not determined by how sophisticated the technology is or the impact factor of the journal in which the work is published. What matters is whether we ask meaningful questions, design rigorous experiments, generate convincing evidence, and contribute knowledge that advances the field. I see this publication as an important part of my scientific foundation. Today, my laboratory uses advanced single-cell and spatial multiomic technologies to investigate neutrophil biology in cancer, a field different from the macrophage biology I studied during my Ph.D. Yet the same principles of hypothesis-driven research, mechanistic investigation, and critical thinking remain at the core of my work. I am proud of this paper not only because of its citations, but also because it reminds me that strong scientific reasoning can have a lasting impact, regardless of the technologies available at the time. That lesson continues to shape how I approach research and mentor the next generation of scientists.

How did your experience in the UofL Microbiology and Immunology PhD program prepare you for your career and professional success?

My Ph.D. training at UofL prepared me for my career in a way that extends far beyond the specific research project I conducted or the techniques I learned. Under Dr. Jill Suttles's mentorship, I developed the scientific mindset that continues to guide me as an independent investigator. During my Ph.D., I studied macrophage plasticity and the molecular mechanisms regulating macrophage inflammatory responses. Today, my research focuses on neutrophil progenitors, immune-cell heterogeneity, and the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment. These are substantially different research areas, and the technologies I use today are far more advanced than those I used during graduate school. Nevertheless, the ability to transition between these fields comes from the same foundation: learning how to ask important biological questions, develop testable hypotheses, critically evaluate data, and pursue mechanistic explanations rather than simply describing observations. Graduate school also taught me persistence, intellectual independence, and the importance of scientific rigor. These qualities have been particularly valuable as I have transitioned from trainee to independent principal investigator, where I must develop new research directions, compete for funding, build collaborations, and mentor students. I believe the greatest value of a Ph.D. is not mastery of a particular technique or even expertise in one specific field. It is learning how to think scientifically. Technologies will continue to evolve, and research interests may change, but a strong scientific foundation enables us to adapt, embrace new opportunities, and continue making discoveries. That is the most valuable lesson I took from UofL, and it remains central to my success today.

What advice would you give to current or prospective graduate students interested in microbiology, immunology, or biomedical research careers?

My advice is to focus on becoming a good scientist, not simply becoming proficient in the latest technologies. Advanced technologies are powerful tools, and it is important to stay current with methodological developments. However, technology alone does not guarantee meaningful discoveries. The most important skills are the ability to ask the right questions, think critically, design rigorous experiments, interpret unexpected results, and understand why a finding matters biologically. I would also encourage students to remain curious and open to learning beyond their immediate research area. My own career is an example of how a scientific foundation developed through studying macrophages can support a successful transition into neutrophil biology and cancer research. You do not need to predict exactly where your career will lead. Instead, focus on building transferable scientific skills and developing the intellectual flexibility to pursue new questions as opportunities arise. Finally, seek mentors who challenge you to think independently, learn from both successes and failures, and do not be discouraged when experiments fail or research takes an unexpected direction. Science is rarely a straight path. Persistence, rigorous thinking, and a willingness to learn are essential throughout a research career. Most importantly, remember that the goal is not simply to master what is already known, but to develop the ability to discover what is not yet known.

What is one memorable experience, mentor relationship, or lesson from your time at UofL that has stayed with you throughout your career?

Dr. Jill Suttles has been much more than my Ph.D. mentor. She has become a lifelong mentor, trusted advisor, and dear friend who has guided me not only in science and career development, but also in personal growth. One of the most meaningful memories I have is from my wedding in California in 2015, one year after my Ph.D. graduation. My parents were unable to attend, and Dr. Suttles generously volunteered to walk me down the aisle. That gesture meant more to me than words can express. It reflected the genuine care and kindness she has shown me throughout the years, extending far beyond the academic relationship between a mentor and a student. Even today, I still call and text her to seek her advice, discuss career decisions, and share news about my family. I feel incredibly fortunate that a relationship that began during my Ph.D. training has grown into a lifelong friendship that continues to enrich both my professional and personal life. Scientifically, my time at UofL taught me how to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and approach research with rigor and curiosity. But Dr. Suttles also showed me something equally important: the profound impact a mentor can have by believing in a trainee, supporting their growth, and caring about them as a person. As I mentor students and build my own laboratory today, I hope to carry forward that same spirit of generosity, encouragement, and genuine care. When I reflect on my journey, I realize that one of the greatest gifts of my Ph.D. experience was not only the scientific foundation I gained, but also a mentor who has remained an important part of my life long after graduation. I will always be grateful to Dr. Suttles for both.