Throughout my four years at UVM, I have never wavered in my decision to study biology and pursue a career dedicated to scientific inquiry. In the past year, my passion for science has deepened, my skills as a scientist have grown significantly and I have developed strong aspirations for the future.

In my senior year, I knew I wanted a challenge that would put my scientific skills to the test. This meant spearheading my own scientific study. When I began formulating ideas for a project in the Spring of 2021, I decided to return to the subject that had originally sparked my passion for science: tick borne disease. Similar to Martha’s Vineyard, Vermont’s deer tick populations have grown rapidly in recent years due to global warming. Equally concerning, deer ticks carry not only Lyme disease, but a host of other debilitating pathogens including Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis and Relapsing Fever. I have been studying the rates at which these pathogens are carried as coinfections, as well as how land use changes in the region are affecting the spread of tick borne disease. From my project proposal, I was selected as one of two recipients of the UVM Biology Department’s KAY Award for Summer Research to fully fund my study. I spent the summer collecting ticks at various sites throughout Vermont. In the fall, I spent countless hours in the lab testing these ticks for disease. I expect to submit the results of my study for review in a scientific journal prior to graduation.

Outside of the lab, I have remained a member of the UVM Club Baseball team. As a starting outfielder this year, I helped my team achieve a 17-0 record and win the New England Club Baseball championship. The past four years at UVM have been the experience of a lifetime. I have been committed to making the most out of having the privilege to attend college. None of this would have been possible without the support of MVYouth. I will always be thankful for your belief in me and I hope to someday give back to future students like myself.