In my graduate research, I study marine mussels' adhesive plaques. Mussels use a system of plaques and threads to anchor themselves in the tide, and I’m looking for ways that the architecture of these soft materials contributes to their toughness and strength. Besides spending time with bivalves, I lead materials science experiments at local elementary schools with UCSB’s Family Ultimate Science Experience, and help run a student group, Graduate Students for Diversity in Science, to promote inclusion within STEM fields.