EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
2011-Present
Planetary Protection Engineer
JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
Pasadena, California
-
Planetary Protection Lead, Mars 2020 Mission (12/2016-Present)
-
Planetary Protection Engineer, 2020 Mission (8/2013-Present)
-
Planetary Protection Engineer, InSight Mission (2/2014-Present)
-
Engineer, Mars Science Laboratory Mission (11/2012 - 8/2013)
2010-2011
Caltech Postdoctoral Scholar
JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
Pasadena, California
-
Development of a model community of spore and non-spore-forming bacterial, anaerobic archaeal, and fungal strains representing the microbial life able to survive in clean rooms.
-
Evaluate efficient recovery methods of biomolecules from metal surfaces through the development and validation of a standard operating procedure.
-
Assess archaeal and fungal diversity of JPL-Spacecraft Assembly Facility
-
Design and development of instruments germane to planetary protection
2006-2009
Graduate Student Research Scientist
DREXEL PLASMA INSTITUTE
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
-
Develop an understanding of the sterilization efficacy of plasma on varying spacecraft materials through methods to include standard plate count, PCR, and fluorescent techniques.
EDUCATION
2008 - 2010
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
Dissertation: Surface Disinfection of Spacecraft Materials from Extremophile Microorganisms by Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas
2006 - 2008
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
​
2002 - 2006
Bachelors of Science, Physics
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Hampton University Honors College, Summa Cum Laude
HOBBIES
TRIATHLONS
I train at GIVE-STRENGTH
​
I am a member of Cal-Tri, which is an excellent organization for anyone interested in Triathlons (beginner to seasoned triathletes!)
PUBLIC SPEAKING
I love sharing my experiences with the world!
​
Public Speaking is Awesome!
​
​
JEWELRY MAKING
I find stones.
​
I make jewelry.
​
I give them as gifts.
​