I completed my graduate degree in 2004 in the Immunobiology program at The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) in Hershey, PA. I then conducted post-doctoral research at PSU in the area of tumor immunotherapy. During my post-doctoral research I served as an adjunct instructor for the Department of Biology at Elizabethtown College. In 2007 I was hired on tenure-track as an Assistant Professor of Biology. Excitingly, I was recently tenured and promoted to Associate Professor of Biology.
In addition to my dedication to teaching, I have established a productive research laboratory studying the effects of stress hormones on the immune response to tumor antigens. While at Elizabethtown I have published research in the peer-reviewed journal, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. Additionally, I have published two papers with undergraduate coauthors, was the lead author on a book chapter in the Handbook of Psychoneuroimmunology (In Press), and presented research at national meetings. My laboratory is currently investigating how stress hormones change the frequency of the various subsets of dendritic cells, which are critical for the development of an effective immune response against viruses and bacteria. I also have a strong interest in the area of nutrition education, and am developing this as a second area of research.
I enjoy the outdoors, and often spend weekends with my husband and two Boston Terriers at our cabin in Snyder County, PA. I’ve recently developed a passion for gardening, and spend many hours freezing and canning summer fruits and vegetables. I am active in my church, serving as a Stephen Minister and chairing the Social Ministry committee.