Student Profiles

Erin is an MD-PhD student at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. Before starting medical school, she researched microbial diversity and ecology, focusing on the shared core genome of microbial endosymbionts within the gill tissue of Lucinid clams under the mentorship of Dr. Barbara Campbell. This work earned her the Outstanding Senior in Discovery Majoring in Microbiology Award.

After matriculating into medical school, Erin was selected as a research scholar in the neurosurgery department at Washington University in St. Louis following her first year. There, she investigated risk factors associated with the up-conversion of dural arteriovenous fistulas (PMID: 38428013). In 2023, Erin joined the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program, working in the lab of Dr. Desmond A. Brown. Her research focused on the metabolic, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic changes in glioblastoma following exposure to non-camptothecin inhibitors. During this time, she also co-authored multiple manuscripts and a book chapter.

Erin will continue her doctoral studies with Dr. Brown, alongside Dr. Richard Mair at Cambridge University. Her research will explore the links between glioblastoma extrachromosomal DNA and tumor behavior. Upon completing her doctoral studies, Erin aspires to pursue a research-oriented career as a neurosurgeon-scientist, integrating research and patient care to improve outcomes and overall survival for brain tumor patients.