Mentoring

I believe that meaningful mentorship is one of the most important contributions a scientist can make to the broader research community. Since 2017, I have been mentoring undergraduate research assistants, summer high-school researchers, and science fair participants in the Graze Lab at Auburn University. I help mentees develop scientific thinking, technical skills, and confidence in their abilities — connecting them to larger questions in biology while equipping them with hands-on training in molecular biology and the Drosophila model system. I strive to create an inclusive and encouraging environment that sparks lasting curiosity and prepares students for independent research careers.

Science Fair Mentoring

Kris Park
High School Student
2025–2026

  • Project: The Effect of Insulin-Like Peptides on Lipid Levels in Drosophila
  • Presentation: Greater East Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF), 2026

Samia Kazmi
High School Student
2024–2025

  • Project: Genetic Variation in Heat Stress in Drosophila melanogaster
  • Presentation: Alabama Science and Engineering Fair (ASEF), Auburn University, 2025

Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Irene Park and Rakib Israil
Undergraduate Research Assistants, CASE-REU Program
Summer 2023

  • Project: The Effect of Roundup on Drosophila Feeding
  • Presentation: CASE-REU Research Symposium, Auburn University, 2023

Yolonda Ellison, Jorge H. Cruz, and McKenzie C. Pursley
Undergraduate Research Assistants, CASE-REU Program
Summer 2019

  • Project: Endocrine Disruptor Has No Effect on Courtship Behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster
  • Presentation: CASE-REU Research Symposium, Auburn University, 2019

Mentoring Approach

My mentoring style is hands-on and project-based. I begin by introducing mentees to the Drosophila model system and core experimental techniques, then work with them to develop focused, achievable research questions. I emphasize careful experimental design, clear record-keeping, and reproducible data analysis. I also work to demystify the scientific process — showing students that productive science involves iteration, troubleshooting, and learning from unexpected results.