I have a passion for knowledge and creativity, and constantly thirst to ever expand my own knowledge, which culminated in my love of science. I am passionate about helping people and making the world a better place to live. I want to do something truly great with my life, that is a culmination of my love for science and deep desire to help people. My main research interests lie in Biomedical engineering, more specifically in cellular and tissue engineering. Cellular and tissue engineering is the development and manipulation of cells and tissues to be used in medical applications, such as biosynthetic heart valves, tissue scaffolds, and engineered organs. The ultimate goal of any cellular or tissue engineer is to create viable living tissue to be used in medical procedures, such as skin, grafts and hopefully even organ transplants. I work in the Dirk lab in the Center for Biomedical Engineering. The lab is researching heart valves with the hopes of creating engineered heart valves created from living tissue to be used in heart valve replacements. Outside of science and research I have many other interests and passions. I love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and target shooting. My other hobbies include collecting Lego building sets, video games, and ballroom dancing