Foundation Award for Service

I. Philosophy of Service

In serving the mission of the University and my field, my philosophy of service centers on community and inclusive excellence. I have actively contributed to faculty governance and program leadership, advocating for policies that strengthen our academic community. I mentor future scientists by judging local and national undergraduate research competitions and supporting early-career colleagues through programs like Bear Bridge. I further support scientific engagement with the community through lab demonstrations, DNA Camp, and university recruitment events, helping drive continued growth of the BMS programs. Over the past five years, I’ve served on more than 25 graduate thesis committees and embedded community service into our senior seminar, reinforcing the connection between science and public impact.

Inclusive excellence remains central to my service. As chair of MCHHS inclusive engagement efforts, I’ve worked with colleagues to foster a culture where all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel seen, heard, and valued. I’m proud to lead initiatives that educate and support to strengthen our shared commitment to equity.

Service has been a deeply meaningful part of my academic career and personal identity. I am honored to be recognized for work that reflects the values I strive to uphold every day.

II. Examples of service including service to University, discipline and community

Shared Governance and university leadership: MCHHS College Council Chair (2022-2023), Faculty senate (2023-2025), graduate program director, Chaired BMS committee on inclusive engagement, Chaired MCHHS committee on Inclusive Engagement

Professional service: Member of American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), attend the ASBMB conference, taking students to present and judged research presentations for undergraduate students; annual judge for Ozarks Science and engineering fair; guest speaker at local and rural science courses 

Recruitment activity: Attended Showcase events since 2027, lunch with SOAR attendees (summer 20023 and 2024), met with over a dozen prospective students and parents each year, organized activities and demonstrations for visiting students, summer camps, and young scientists. 

Student and faculty support: Bear Bridge mentor and Wisdom Circle mentor, faculty advisor for pre-dental society, member of pre-med committee, write letters of recommendation for more than 20 students, interviewer for presidential scholars since 2019, served on over 25 graduate thesis committees in BMS in the last 5 years. 

III. Future Commitment to Service

I hope to continue work toward making the campus accessible and welcoming for all students and faculty, recognize the commitment of those who take on invisible labor, and spread awareness of institutional practices that can improve the success and retention of students and faculty. I hope to continue to deepen the connection between BMS students and cultural competence, support scientific engagement with the community, and expand DNA camp to be a community reservoir of scientific interest.

IV. Topics related to service for which you are available for presentations and/or consultations

Graduate student mentoring and thesis guidance, invisible and emotional labor: recognizing the invisible, Scientific outreach: see touch and feel the natural world, tenure and promotion practices for retention of talent.