DD: What is your role in BE and why are you excited about your work?
I've been the administrator for the NIH Biotechnology Training program for the past 18 years. During that time, I've had the privilege of working with many principal investigators: Institute Professor Daniel I.C. Wang, and Professors Doug Lauffenburger and Dane Wittrup. Preparing the complex NIH Training Grant proposals is what I enjoy most about my work. I also enjoy organizing retreats and recruiting underrepresented minority students for graduate studies at MIT. I am grateful that these duties allow me to work directly with both students and faculty.

In addition to my Training Grant position, I provide administrative support to Professor Mark Bathe. I have been with the Bathe lab since 2011. This has been a great opportunity for me to broaden my knowledge base beyond training grants management to include all government agencies and industrial grants management. Professor Bathe works proactively with his lab and me, allowing me to do my job effectively and efficiently. Also, experiencing first hand the growth of the Bathe lab over the past few years has been exciting to see. I enjoy the challenge and variety of day-to-day tasks working with Professor Mark Bathe and the LCBB Lab!

DD: Where are you from?
My family is from Germany, but I was born in the Boston area. I live in Wilmington, MA, which is about 20 miles north of Boston.  


DD: What do you like to do when outside of MIT?
I enjoy vacationing in Maine during the summer months. I also enjoy long walks (with my dogs), short hikes, and spin classes at the gym!

DD: What are you reading right now? 
I am currently reading Vinegar Hill by A. Manatee Ansay.  

DD: Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
Bavaria, Germany!