During college I began working in dental research as a lab assistant for Dr. Eric Everett at the UNC School of Dentistry. I quickly realized that I wanted to continue being a part of the process of discovery associated with research. During this time in college, I was also involved in planning the “Cleft Palate Gallop 5K,” a race held every year to raise funds for the UNC Craniofacial Center. Working with the Craniofacial Center and witnessing the extensive treatment that must be performed for cleft palate patients inspired me to begin research in this field. Prior to beginning dental school, I initiated a project in the Everett Lab that involved examining a gene mutation which manifests in cleft palate and other craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities…
