My research focuses on how airway stem cells interact with the surrounding environment to maintain and repair the airway lining. In particular, integrins, which help airway basal stem cells sense and attach to the extracellular matrix that supports them. Overall, it helps us better understand how specific pathways contribute to airway diseases and impaired tissue repair. I enjoy it because of being able to uncover mechanisms that explain why cells behave the way they do. Each experiment is like solving a puzzle, and I find it rewarding to contribute to advancing regenerative medicine.

 I enjoy spending time outside of the lab listening to music, especially collecting and listening to vinyl records from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, and Mac Miller. I also enjoy playing chess, spending time with friends, and performing with my orchestra chamber group, where I play the cello.