Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
I did a year-long research fellowship through the Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Fellowship program from July 2016 - June 2017. I worked on 3 projects that year examining different aspects of muscular dystrophy. In one project, we examined a phenomenon where patients with dystroglycanopathy (a form of muscular dystrophy) become acutely and transiently weak following a febrile illness. Another project I worked on examined the indications for muscle biopsy in patients suspected of having Duchenne Becker muscular dystrophy. The third project I worked on examined the development of contractures in wheelchair bound patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Q: Why did you choose to research this topic?
A: I am going into orthopaedics and wanted to learn more about neuromuscular conditions. I am interested in pediatric orthopaedics and will likely work with patients with muscular dystrophy.
Q: How has research benefited your education?
A: I feel that my year both researching and learning about muscular dystrophy has given me a better understanding of the diseases and how they impact patients’ lives. I believe I will greatly benefit in my career from learning about these disorders and developing the necessary skills for clinical research through the mentorship of Dr. Mathews and Dr. Moore.
Q: What made you want to get involved with research?
A: During the course of my undergraduate education, I didn’t have the opportunity to be as involved with research as I would have liked. Following my third year of medical school, I had the opportunity to be a research fellow through the Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Fellowship. At that time, I knew that I wanted to go into orthopedics, and the opportunity to do clinical research while also being involved in the care of patients with muscular dystrophy was an opportunity that greatly excited me.