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Research Interests: Hi, I’m Danielle! I’m in my fourth year at Duke, and I plan to graduate this spring with a biology major (concentration in anatomy and physiology) and a chemistry minor. I am an independent study student working with Katie Walzer, PhD candidate, in Dr. Ashley Chi’s lab. Together with Katie, I study gametocytogenesis and sexual reproduction in the mating Plasmodium falciparum population. Of the Plasmodium species, P. falciparum causes the most dangerous form of malaria in humans, with the highest mortality rate. Via single-cell transcriptome analysis, Katie and I aim to discern which genes may contribute to male/female sexual commitment and differentiation of P. falciparum gametocytes. Previously, I worked as a research assistant in Dr. Susan Alberts’ Lab at Duke to study baboon genetics and behavior.
Personal Interests: Outside of the lab, I enjoy serving as a mentor for immigrant high school students through Duke Students for Humane Borders. I love passing summers in my hometown of Virginia Beach, VA partaking in any and all water sports. Originally, I am from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where I often travel to spend time with family.