As a physician-scientist, I see patients, run clinical trials, and also have a small lab of people focusing on translational immunology and immunotherapy. I hope to improve bone marrow transplantation. As an undergraduate I was interested in basic science and medicine. I decided to pursue basic science first, beginning in an evolution and ecology lab here at Stanford as a masters/PhD student. While I was in that program, I realized I was missing the human element. I wanted to do research that could be used to help people. Eventually, I learned about bone marrow transplant, a field where you can practice translational immunology.

I enjoy getting to know my patients, especially getting to see the quiet bravery. It is a privilege to care for people who are, in some ways, in the worst time of their lives. The complexity of the science and the humanism is a perfect combination.

The diversity and collaboration here at Stanford is very important. I spent some time on the East Coast, where I saw a different mode of science: it was much less collaborative, more individualistic. Here, it is most about the results. I also love the students here at Stanford. Students here have the opportunities to meet people, get support, and realize their dreams, and I love that part of the culture. 

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