Author: Kackley

Everything Keto!

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With the holidays approaching and the sight of the tempting cookie platter and delectable pies it is important to find recipes that fit into your personal wellness goals! 

The turkey or chicken sitting at the center of the table are still great options when following the ketogenic diet, grilled is best skipping any glaze! Cheese platters, and all of your favorite veggies including but not limited to spaghetti squash, brussel sprouts and cauliflower are all great options. For the sweet tooth, opt in for some keto friendly pies, or baking something new. Here are some recipes and cookbooks 🙂 

Keto Dessert cookbook- charlene wekel

Easy Keto for busy people- Jennifer Marie Gazra 

Check out this website for some amazing thanksgiving recipes for all of your favorites: 

https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/thanksgiving/g22628933/keto-thanksgiving-recipes/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_del_md_ dsa_prog_lft_us_g22628933&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14636476727&gbraid=0AAAAACq-IPzuUJviNZeGg3wyIhCMNjun5&gclid=CjwKCAiA_orJBhBNEiwABkdmjFULce1ez fQ5hxRSP_5aHWTCJ8HQjH919AsYvwaO8AsRkJcnNnBduhoCUG0QAvD_BwE

And lastly for that starbucks craving try out this drink instead of the classic peppermint mocha:

  • Venti Blonde Americano
  • Almond Milk
  • 2 pumps of Peppermint syrup (5g per pump)
  • 2 pumps of Sugar-Free Mocha
  • Total: ~ 12g of carbohydrates

***order from https://cupofoj.com/2018/12/11/my-favorite-low-carb-winter-starbucks-drinks/

SheIs… Isabella White

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Isabella White is one of our senior undergraduate research assistants at SHEIS Labs. During her time here at Ohio State she has been studying Biology with future aspirations of becoming an OB/GYN surgeon. She has utilized her Hispanic Heritage throughout her journey by applying the family values, empathy, and resilience she inherited from growing up in a Colombian-American household both inside and outside of the classroom. The sense of community she grew up knowing has empowered her in being aware of the need for diversity in not just research but medicine as a whole. She notes the growing issue that is health disparities affecting underrepresented communities and uses that as a motivator to pursue projects that make science more inclusive and accessible.

Isabella shared further what makes her proud of being part of the Hispanic community which is the deep sense of unity that she feels within it and she brings that with her in all that she does. This includes, celebrating her own accomplishments, but equally all those around her. Through the hardship of oftentimes being one of the few Latinas in certain academic/research spaces she has found resilience and a newfound sense of determination to represent her community and assist in opening up doors for others. With the goal of entering the medical field specifically women’s health SHEIS labs aligns hand-in-hand with her values of representation, empowerment, and creating a space for women in both science and healthcare. She ensures to lead with kindness and collaboration while partaking in research as she knows there is power in supporting those around you. To the future research and healthcare world, Isabella shares the importance of seeking out mentors who believe in you and always knowing your voice matters! She also reminds us of the vital need for more Hispanic representation in healthcare and research so never forget you belong in this space. As Bella continues with her senior year, pursuing her future in healthcare, and continuing her research here with SHEIS Labs she shares with us her gratefulness for the chance to learn, grow, and represent her culture in spaces where the Hispanic community’s voice is only growing louder. She hopes that the next generation of Latina scientists and physicians will see themselves reflected in all spaces of leadership including research.

SheIs…Dr. AndrĂ©a Salcedo

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Dr. AndrĂ©a Salcedo, a proud Claremont local, is a Mexican American mom of three who brings a vibrant bicultural perspective to everything she does. With deep roots in the Southwest and a strong connection to her heritage, she’s passionate about keeping culture alive, especially through language. For her, speaking Spanish isn’t just communication, it’s a way to stay connected, empower communities, and celebrate where she comes from. For Dr. Salcedo, women’s health is not only deeply personal but also critically misunderstood. By reframing menstrual disorders through a metabolic lens, Dr. Salcedo challenges long standing gaps in how reproductive health is understood and treated, especially for women of color.

When asked about the most promising and urgent areas of research in lifestyle medicine for gynecological and metabolic conditions, Dr. AndrĂ©a Salcedo pointed to the critical need to understand the metabolic roots of women’s health issues. She highlighted that many gynecological diseases, often misunderstood as purely hormonal, stem from insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. By advancing research in what she calls “metabolic gynecology,” Dr. Salcedo hopes to shift treatment away from symptom management like birth control or surgery, and toward addressing underlying metabolic dysfunction, offering women more effective and empowering care options. In today’s AI-driven world, Dr. Salcedo stresses the need for doctors to focus on root causes to offer truly personalized care. “90% of my patients already come in with solutions they found online usually through AI tools like ChatGPT,” she explains. “They’ll say, ‘I don’t like that solution. What else do you have for me?’” Her metabolic gynecology approach helps uncover the inflammatory and metabolic triggers behind gynecological issues, allowing for tailored treatment beyond just “in-between” fixes like medication or surgery. This method not only fills critical gaps in culturally responsive care but also empowers Hispanic women by addressing the true source of their symptoms.

Dr. Salcedo empowers underserved women by teaching the physiology behind their symptoms. She explains that conditions like heavy bleeding or irregular periods often stem from hyperinsulinemia and chronic inflammation, which disrupt the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis. By linking insulin resistance and stress related ovulation suppression to systemic challenges like weathering, she helps women, especially women of color, understand their reproductive health in context. This knowledge gives patients the tools to make informed, empowered decisions about their care. Dr. Salcedo’s clinical work aligns closely with research efforts like those at SHE IS Lab, as she continues to explore the deeper metabolic and inflammatory roots of gynecological disease. “It’s not just about a ketogenic diet,” she explains. “It’s about identifying the exact inflammatory trigger.” Her current projects include studying how exosomes, tiny cell byproducts, may contribute to uterine fibroid growth, investigating the link between visceral fat and fibroid burden, and developing a vitamin A trial for endometriosis, which she sees as deeply connected to gut health, immune response, and even trauma. Her research bridges lifestyle medicine with cutting-edge science, always grounded in finding root cause solutions for women’s health. Dr. Salcedo sees a critical need for deeper collaboration between research and clinical care when it comes to trauma-informed gynecology. “There’s a huge correlation between women who’ve experienced trauma and the development of endometriosis,” she notes. She advocates for integrating therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) into treatment for chronic pelvic pain and calls for more research that centers trauma as a key driver of inflammation and disease, especially in Hispanic women. Bridging these gaps, she says, is essential to providing holistic, culturally responsive care. When it comes to low-carb nutrition in Hispanic communities, Dr. Salcedo focuses on reframing rather than restricting. “Our ancestors made tortillas by hand, they didn’t come in a 200-pack from Costco,” she says. She encourages patients to honor their cultural foods, but also to recognize how modern food systems have changed what and how we eat. Her goal: help patients reconnect with traditional ways of eating that were more nourishing, balanced, and rooted in intention.

Dr. Salcedo encourages young Hispanic women, and other women of color pursuing healthcare or science to find their community early. “Find your tribe, people who look like you, who share your values,” she says. Whether it’s a student group, professional organization, or online network, surrounding yourself with like-minded women of color can provide the support, inspiration, and resilience needed to thrive in spaces where you might not always feel seen. “You don’t have to do it alone,” she adds. “There’s power in community.”

A Deep Dive Into PCOS

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PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects roughly 10% of women in their reproductive years from early teens to mid-to-late 40s. With a lack of research and diagnoses statistics show upward of 70% of women are unaware they have it. PCOS exists in a category of a long list of other reproductive disorders that impact women’s lives daily. 

Here is more information on what PCOS is, the indicators, and its impact on women’s lives:

It would be beneficial to first understand the name that is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Polycystic translates to “many cysts” forming on the outside edge of the ovaries. The cysts cause the ovaries to develop immature follicles unable to release the eggs. Causing irregularity within the ovulation phase.

How do you know if you have it?

  1. Excess body hair- PCOS causes the woman’s body to produce too much androgen. Androgen is a hormone linked to excess body hair, acne, and irregular cycles. Often referred to as a male hormone.
  2. Increased ovary size 
  3. Irregular periods and trouble getting pregnant 

These are some of the more common symptoms however not a comprehensive list.

How did I get it?

PCOS is commonly seen in women who have family history. We do not know with complete confidence yet what genes are accountable for the development of PCOS, more research for confirmation is needed. Furthermore, Insulin resistance is commonly seen within women with PCOS. With insulin resistance, the woman’s cells can not respond properly to insulin leading to higher amounts within their blood. An increase in insulin leads to greater amounts of androgen. This is why weight gain is commonly attributed. 

What are the treatment options?

It often feels like with any diagnosis we are told a healthy diet and regular exercise will be the cure, however although not a cure can aid in balancing insulin levels and lead to better quality of life.


Alongside, hormonal therapy options to help regulate cycles. It is vital to find the one that works best for your body and you feel comfortable with. 

Ovulation stimulants can be used for women looking to have children. 

Women’s health and reproductive disorders are heavily under-researched and that is why there is still so much unknown about PCOS. Here at SHEIS Lab, PCOS is the main focus in our SPARK study where we have worked in further advancing care for women and providing the groundbreaking research that is needed. 

Always be your own advocate! As we push for more research to be done for women’s health, always know your voice matters and how you are feeling matters. The team here at SHEIS labs sees you.

Lack of Research on Women

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Women have been historically underrepresented in research. Whether it’s discrimination that creates barriers against women entering STEM fields, failure to recognize the importance of diverse and representative test subjects, and more- women have been overlooked in countless areas. In fact, women were only allowed in biomedical research in 1993, that’s 32 years ago, the effects of which still negatively impact women today. 

Here are just some examples that affect our daily lives that one may not have thought about:  

Endometriosis 

This condition consists of “uterine lining” growing outside the uterus and goes undetected for many years because the extreme pelvic pain associated with it is dismissed as regular menstrual cramps. These biases and discrimination largely contribute to why this disease is so underfunded and underresearched. The rates of endometriosis diagnoses continue to rise as awareness is raised. 

Test Cars 

Did you know that up until 2024, test car dummies were modeled after the size of an average male? This left women and children highly vulnerable when it comes to car accidents. In fact, studies show that this may have a correlation to why female passengers are 47% more likely to be injured in a car crash (NIH, 2011)! Luckily, thanks to these new perspectives, many car companies are changing their approaches by utilizing female-sized dummies in their test cars.  

PMS & PMDD 

PMS (Pre-menstrual syndrome) and its more severe version, PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder), are additional women’s health issues that have been historically stigmatized and therefore understudied and underfunded. They are often minimized as a normal “woman” experience, rather than a painful condition that disrupts the lives of up to 90% of women that experience PMS symptoms at some point in their life and 3-8% of women that have PMDD. 

Air Conditioning 

Have you ever noticed the prevalence of women wearing cardigans in office spaces to cozy up and feel warmer? This is, in fact, rooted in age-old sexism. The average office air conditioning temperature was determined in the early 90’s, when males dominated most office spaces, as they still do today. Although women’s core temperatures are approximately 0.4° F higher than men’s, their hands are significantly colder than men’s, 82.7° F and 90° F, respectively. The sensation of cold begins from the extremities like our fingers and toes, which explains frostbite, and also explains why women tend to feel colder than men in the same room temperature (The Lancet, 1998).  

PCOS 
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is actually one of our main focuses of the SPARK (Symptoms of PCOS Ameliorated by Responses to Keto-Adaptation) at SHEIS Lab! PCOS is a condition that affects 10% of women globally and is a hormonal disorder that leads to various health issues and symptoms. Because women’s health is historically underfunded, the work at SHEIS Labs is vitally important in advancing care for women in this area. Learn more at: https://u.osu.edu/sheislaboratory/current-studies/ 

Unfortunately, these are only a few examples of the major and seemingly minor things that impact that day-to-day lives of almost all women. Whether you are in the office shivering, in a car unsafe, or at a doctor’s office struggling to get the care you deserve, we have a long way to go to gaining equality for women. We can all do our part by speaking out and making our voices heard, which is something we strive to encourage at SHEIS Labs!  

SheIs… Aydan Jordan

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Aydan Jordan is on the SHEIS graduate team as a lead. As a graduate researcher se managed her coursework which included research for some credits. That research included not just stepping into a new study but also carrying one out from start to finish. She would also seek out opportunities that aligned with interest. As graduate research she also went to conferences, presented posters, mentoring for posters and writing publications.  

Her journey to research started during undergrad as a junior. She was taking a Dr. Saenz class and asked her for research opportunities during covid. Dr. Saenz put her on the WANDER study where a highly trained female athlete went on a 10-week journey through the Pacific Crest Trail. This study investigated body composition, nutrition, performance, and its relationship with energy.  

Her way to SHEIS started when Dr. Kackley was talking about her research in one of the Volek lab meetings. So, she went to Dr. Kackley and asked if she could help her. Then next thing she knew she was looking into wearables and starting to run the SHEIS Pilot Study. Being in this lab has also given her the opportunity to investigate the women’s health sector beyond research but the market side which includes things like fem-tech.   

When it comes to her experience at SHEIS she would describe it as transcendent. Her favorite part about this lab being that the work we do is a launchpad into women’s health. Through this launchpad she has been able to see the opportunities to explore health innovation and market women’s health globally. She takes pride in all the work she does for women research especially as a woman herself. She feels like with this lab she’s able to combine all her past experiences and interest within it.  

In her future she hopes to continue doing market research in women’s health, work on global intervention and travel the world.   

SheIs… Ashwini Chebbi 

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Ashwini Chebbi is one of our graduate researchers. In this role she serves as the Doctoral Student Lead for a couple of studies, including SPARK and the PKD study. She is the primary person responsible for running the study, organizing all aspects related to data collection, analysis, protocol modifications, and recruitment. With the help of the SHEIS Undergraduate Research Assistants it is possible to get these things done.  

Her start in research came during her master’s which was about ten years ago. Durning her thesis program it was mandatory to be in research. Ever since then research has become her life, and she never once doubted that or regretted her decision to be a part of it. She joined SHEIS as a PhD student and started working with Dr. Kackley. Durning her first year she came across SHEIS Laboratory and was introduced to SPARK. From that study she knew she wanted to be a part of our mission to serve as a pioneering force in advancing women’s health and wellness!  

To describe her SHEIS Experience in one word she would say Pumped! Beyond research this lab has brought not only a mentor into her life but also a dear friend in Dr. Kackley.  She views Dr. Kackley as one of her sisters and she feels so grateful for her every day! When asked about her favorite part of the lab she said, “It’s a no brainer —the sense of being part of a team united by the same mission: advancing women’s health.” She believes that when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t tackle. That the research we conduct and the questions we pursue are essential to moving the field forward, and she genuinely loves being part of all of it! 

Her long-term goals are definitely tied to our lab. She hopes to continue working in the lab and grow more as a scientist. When it comes to her research interests in women’s health, she is a forever collaborator with SHEIS! 

Cycle Syncing with Exercise

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Cycle syncing can be used for planning meals, exercise, meetings, and other life activities in a way that optimizes your personal health and well-being. Here, we will discuss some exercises that can help you feel your best during each phase of the menstrual cycle. 

What is cycle syncing? This is a women’s health-related approach that aligns day-to-day activities with the hormonal changes that impact mood, appetite, energy, and more, during the menstrual cycle. Cycle syncing is a way for those who experience menstruation to feel more in tune with their bodies, minimizing how much they feel controlled by their period and improving overall wellbeing. What kind of exercise can help you optimize your wellbeing during each cycle? 

When exercising, it is important to listen to your body and prepare by eating right before and after workouts, as well as stretching. Dynamic stretches are recommended before exercise and static stretches after exercise. 

Menstrual phase (1-5 days) – During this phase, the uterine lining is shed by the help of contractions that can often be painful, often referred to as cramping. That is why at this time it can be difficult to exercise. However, exercise can actually help reduce cramps and bloating symptoms during the menstrual phase. Here are some examples of gentle exercises that can help: 

  • Low-impact cardio 
  • Walking 
  • Swimming 
  • Light cycling 
  • Stretching 
  • Yoga 
  • Pilates 

Follicular phase (13-14 days) – Because this phase is directly prior to the ovulatory phase, the body is focused on managing the rising levels of estrogen to prepare for egg release in the following phase. The increase in estrogen and less energy expenditure spent shedding the uterine lining in the previous phase is also why we tend to feel the best. That’s why many women tend to hit PRs (personal records) and feel extra strong! Take advantage of this by focusing on high-intensity exercises, such as: 

  • Strength training 
  • Squats 
  • Deadlifts 
  • Push-ups 
  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) 
  • Burpees 
  • Mountain climbers 
  • Jump squats 
  • High knees 
  • Cadio 
  • Swimming 
  • Running 
  • Dance workouts 
  • Stretching 

You can use weights and resistance bands that you are comfortable with. During the follicular phase, it is easy to over-do it, and that is why it is especially important to listen to your body. If you feel overly uncomfortable or in pain, that is most likely a sign to take a step back and stretch it out, use less weight, etc. Eating certain foods can also help prevent muscle fatigue (see our Cycle Syncing with Food blog post!). 

Ovulatory phase (12-24 hours)– At ovulation, estrogen and testosterone are at their peak. This means your body is high in energy and experiencing many hormones at once. You can do similar exercises to the follicular phase: 

  • Strength training 
  • HIIT 
  • Cardio 
  • Stretching 

Luteal phase (12-14 days) – Estrogen drops shortly after ovulation but continues to rise slightly in this phase. Because of this, women tend to feel more sluggish and it is recommended to return back to low-intensity exercises as in the menstrual phase: 

  • Low-impact cardio 
  • Stretching 

Pairing these exercises with the right foods to fuel your body during each of these phases is a recipe to feeling your best! Remember, it is okay to take a break, reach out when you’re not feeling your best, and listen to your body. Everyone’s body and responses are unique and therefore it is important to find what works best for you rather than following the above suggestions as a strict regimen. 

Our research at SHEIS Labs deeply studies the menstrual cycle. Learn more at: https://u.osu.edu/sheislaboratory/ 

Cycle Syncing with Food

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Cycle syncing can be used for planning meals, exercise, meetings, and other life activities in a way that optimizes your personal health and well-being. Here, we will discuss some foods that can help you feel your best during each phase of the menstrual cycle. 

What is cycle syncing? This is a women’s health-related approach that aligns day-to-day activities with the hormonal changes that impact mood, appetite, energy, and more, during the menstrual cycle. Cycle syncing is a way for those who experience menstruation to feel more in tune with their bodies, minimizing how much they feel controlled by their period and improving overall wellbeing. What kind of foods can help you optimize your wellbeing during each cycle? 

Menstrual phase (1-5 days) – During this phase, the uterine lining is shed by the help of contractions that can often be painful, often referred to as cramping. Ketones can provide clean energy that prevents cramps. Thus, it is recommended to eat foods high in ketones during this phase. Ketones are liver acids that break down fat for energy when glucose is not readily available. 

Such foods include (with examples): 

  • Fatty fish (salmon, tuna)  
  • Meat and poultry 
  • Eggs 
  • High-fat dairy (cheese, whole milk)  
  • Healthy fats (nuts, avocados)  
  • Warm drinks (herbal teas) 

Although not always necessary, many women choose to follow a ketogenetic diet, the effects of which are studied in SHEIS labs. A keto diet consists mainly of foods high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. Our research has found correlations between a ketogenetic diet/supplement and improvement in period symptoms as well as the regulation of the menstrual cycle. 

Along with this, here are some foods to avoid during menstruation as they can be more difficult to digest and/or exacerbate negative symptoms:  

  • Excessive caffeine, alcohol, and sugar 
  • Highly processed foods 
  • Cold foods and raw vegetables 

Hydrating foods such as watermelon can help with bloating and herbal teas with ginger can help with pain. Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce cramping, such as salmon and tree nuts. 

Follicular phase (13-14 days) – Because this phase is directly prior to the ovulatory phase, the body is focused on managing the rising levels of estrogen to prepare for egg release in the following phase. The increase in estrogen and less energy expenditure spent shedding the uterine lining in the previous phase is also why we tend to feel the best. Ketones can help you maintain this rush of energy and experience less muscle fatigue after intense exercise that is common during this phase. 

That is why many of the recommended foods aid in supporting the metabolization of estrogen:  

  • Lean proteins 
  • Meat (chicken, turkey) 
  • Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) 
  • Beans, lentils, tofu 
  • Healthy fats (nuts, avocados)  
  • Complex carbohydrates (whole grains, legumes) 
  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale) 
  • Vitamin B (eggs, leafy greens) 
  • Vitamin C (oranges, bell peppers) 
  • Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut)  

While carbs are often socialized to be the “enemy,” they are essential for maintaining energy and fuel, especially for exercise (which is almost always recommended). Similarly, fats are important for hormone production and overall health. Vitamin B can help promote a balanced mood, and Vitamin C and iron-rich foods can aid in iron absorption. Vegetables provide necessary nutrients and can help metabolize estrogen. The ketogenetic diet mentioned previously also dies into this, as ketones can help ameliorate the symptoms of muscle fatigue. 

Ovulatory phase (12-24 hours)– At ovulation, estrogen and testosterone are at their peak. This means your body is high in energy and experiencing many hormones at once. Ketones can help you essentially channel this energy and focus on the task at hand. Similar to the follicular phase, you can eat:  

  • Lean proteins 
  • Complex carbohydrates 
  • Healthy fats 
  • Cruciferous vegetables 
  • Fermented foods 

As well as foods that are: 

  • Fibrous (leafy greens, brussel sprouts) 
  • Zinc-rich (chickpeas, cashews) 
  • Magnesium-rich (dark chocolate, bananas, spinach) 
  • Antioxidant-rich (guava, raspberries, strawberries) 

Fiber can help eliminate excess hormones during ovulation, zinc supports egg health, magnesium can help with stress and cramps, and antioxidants can aid in liver detoxification.  

Luteal phase (12-14 days) – Estrogen drops shortly after ovulation but continues to rise slightly in this phase. Because of this, women tend to feel more sluggish and want to reach for carbs when, in fact, research at SHEIS Labs has found that fats are more beneficial during this phase. Ketones then help the body break down these fats during the lipolytic response. During this phase, focus on: 

  • Healthy fats 
  • Lean proteins 
  • Fruits and vegetables 
  • Vitamin B 
  • Iron 
  • Hydration 

These can help replenish the body in preparation for the loss during menstruation. Vitamin B can help with energy and progesterone production.  

With so much information and so many phases in a seemingly short period of time, it can be difficult to plan meals around your cycle. That’s why meal planning with easy-to-follow recipes can help. Stay tuned to our newsletter for upcoming recipes for each phase of the cycle! 

A common theme here is: ketones, ketones, ketones! Our research at SHEIS Labs has found significant correlations between menstrual health and ketones. Learn more at: https://u.osu.edu/sheislaboratory/ 

SheIs… Esha Wankhade

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Esha is one of our recent senior undergrads from the SheIs lab. As an undergrad she was a Public Health major with an environmental health specialization.  Also, on the pre-med track with a business minor. Her involvement in the lab started on July 1st, 2024. Before finding the lab, she was studying for the MCAT and was looking into research opportunities that aligned with her interests such as metabolism and patient care. After looking into the public health side, she decided to broaden her horizons and stumbled upon Dr. Kackley’s info. Which led to an interview, and she was a part of SheIs Laboratory. 

In the first couple of months, she was filled with excitement and curiosity as she hadn’t heard of the kind of work that the SheIs Pilot study did. She really felt like the graduate students fostered an environment to learn in and that she was surrounded by people who were just as passionate about women’s health, which is an under-researched topic within the science community. After a couple of months of being in the lab, she then got the opportunity to become a research liaison for the lab and became a bridge between the undergraduate team, the graduate team, and the PI. This opportunity helped her really shine as a leader and she felt like it made her the person she is today. 

Mentoring has been one of her favorite parts of being in the lab. With her being a guiding presence within the lab, she is there to support everyone with whatever they may need and cheer on people when they succeed. This could look like training new undergrads that join the lab to answering questions at random times of the day to finding time for everyone to come in for team building. Her mentoring experience has shown a new side to her, and she’s grown into her own version of what Aydan and Ashwini have been for her for the people in this lab.  

Research Distinction Timeline 

  • In the fall Dr. Kackley mentioned her getting a research distinction 
  • End of fall with the help of Dr. Kackley they set up a path for her 
  • Early spring semester she starts the writing process. Her research distinction would be on the SheIs Pilot Stude and how the hormones influence metabolism 
  • February practicing with the gradate team for her presentation 
  • March is the Denman which would be her first ever research presentation  
  • Before spring break, she would defend her thesis  
  • After spring break, she would have a research distinction 

After defending her thesis, it felt like a bittersweet moment for her as it represented an end and showed her the why of everything SheIs Lab is doing. Now that she has gotten her undergraduate degree, she is still in the lab and wants to combine her MD with a master’s in public health degree. She’s interested in global health and bridging the gaps between health and equity. She can see herself maybe working in policy with a specialization in a certain branch of medicine.  

How has this lab impacted her? 

One word: Empowerment 

She has always wanted people to have all the information they can and that they were in control of what they wanted to do. Especially, as someone who wants to work in healthcare, she has felt like that is important. She values the community here at the lab as she has come out with friends that will be in her life outside of SheIs. Living her life making sure she can uplift others and be that empathetic person that people can go to. In this lab she has felt like if you put your mind to it, you can do whatever you want.