Professor

I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago. I completed a B.S. in Chemistry and M.Phil. in Analytical Chemistry at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad. I obtained my Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Lincoln University, New Zealand, and I performed my postdoctoral research in the Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan. I have been working on epilepsy and related neurodevelopmental disorders for over 20 years.

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In addition to research, I consider teaching, either in the formal classroom setting or through interactions with students in my lab, to be one of my top responsibilities. Throughout my graduate and postdoctoral training, I have watched many mentors focus on their students’ experiments, but miss the importance of preparing them more broadly for a career in science. It was from this observation that my own straightforward teaching philosophy emerged. In addition to guidance with their research, I involve my students in all aspects of running the lab. My students are intimately familiar with funding mechanisms, manuscript and grant preparation, and the day-to-day running of an academic research lab. I also strive to provide an inclusive and supportive research and training environment. 

Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, working in the garden, and relaxing at the beach.