Andrea grew up in the Seattle area exploring the outdoors and following her father around his chemistry lab developing an early love for science. She also explored her passion for healthcare, working in retirement homes and ­­­hospitals. Andrea decided to stay in Washington to attend Seattle University where she received a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology. During her time at SU, Andrea spent all four years working for the biology department as a preparatory lab assistant. She also worked extensively with Dr. Michael Zanis studying Inteins, a fascinating self-excising genetic element found in the Polymerase β gene of phycodaviruses. Specifically, she focused on creating functional assays for these viral inteins in bacterial and yeast systems to better understand their evolutionary function.

Soon after graduating, Andrea joined the Malik Lab to continue studying genetic conflicts. She currently works with Aida de la Cruz on the histone-like centromeric protein, CenH3 (Cid) in Drosophila. The rapidly evolving nature of these Cid genes conflicts with their importance in chromosome segregation. Andrea hopes to help uncover some of the functional consequences of this gene’s rapid evolution.

After developing her skills in the Malik lab, Andrea plans on returning to school and hopes to combine her love for medicine and research. Outside of lab, Andrea can be found hiking the Cascades and working on her several half-finished art projects.