I am currently working on my PhD in Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh under the advisement of Dr. Nam Vo in the Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopeadic and Spine Research. Our research group focuses on understanding the biology behind intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and using that knowledge to develop novel biomechanical, biological, and cell based therapies for IDD. Our laboratory is multidisciplinary in nature- bioengineers, basic scientists, graduate students, clinical researchers, medical students and residents all populate our lab. This is appropriate to address a complex and multifaceted disease such as IDD.