Current Fellows

Medical School: Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
Residency: Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia PA
Hobbies: I love finding new adventures with my husband and our almost 2-year-old, running, and reading (I’ll read just about anything — from historical fiction to romantasy to a good mystery)

Research/QI interests: I’m passionate about understanding how social factors affect how quickly children with cancer are diagnosed and begin treatment, and I hope to expand this work to underdeveloped countries. I’m also interested in improving how we give vaccines to children after stem cell transplant.

Why pediatric hematology/oncology? I chose hematology/oncology because I love the patients and the science — and because, let’s be real, cancer sucks. This specialty allows me to combine meaningful relationships with families, complex clinical care and opportunities to make a difference through research and quality improvement.

Why IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital? IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital felt like the perfect fit. I was drawn to the balance of excellent clinical training, a strong educational environment and a community that truly values supporting fellows. I knew this was where I wanted to train.

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Masters: Cellular and Integrative Physiology at IU Indianapolis
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hobbies: Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my husband and our dog, Nova. I am an avid reader and love a range of different genres. I also find joy in gardening and exploring new restaurants. My favorite restaurant in Indianapolis is Bodhi!

Research/QI improvement: I have a strong interest focused on fertility preservation and long-term survivorship care in childhood cancer. As outcomes continue to improve, I believe it is essential to address the quality of life and future health of survivors. I am passionate about contributing to initiatives that ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care beyond treatment.

Why pediatric hematology/oncology? I was drawn to pediatric hematology/oncology because of the resilience, courage and spirits of the patients and their families. This patient population continually inspires me and it's a privilege to walk alongside them through their journeys. I am also fascinated by the complexity and constantly evolving nature of the field, from cutting edge treatments to innovative research which allows for continuous learning and growth as a physician.

Why IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital? After completing residency at IU School of Medicine, choosing to stay for fellowship was an easy decision! The culture here is incredibly supportive and the faculty are not only leaders in their fields but also invested in teaching and mentorship. Riley Hospital fosters a collaborative and nurturing environment that challenges trainees while providing the support needed to thrive both personally and professionally.

Hobbies: Staying active (swimming, nightly walks with family) and spending time with family and friends.

Research/QI interests: I am interested in the intersection of oncology, infectious disease and immunology. My research objectives are focused on identifying risk factors for, decreasing the incidence of, and improving outcomes associated with infectious complications and other immunologic sequelae in pediatric cancer patients.

Why pediatric hematology/oncology? Pediatric hematology/oncology combines everything I love about pediatric medicine — resilient patients, kind and supportive co-workers, opportunities for inpatient and outpatient care, longitudinal relationships with patients and their families, interesting pathophysiology and nearly endless opportunities for research in the field.

Why IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital? The people! I appreciate the supportive atmosphere and community cultivated here.

Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hobbies: Cheering on my fav sports teams including the Buckeyes, Fever and Pacers, USWNT, Blue Jackets, Reds and Colts. Reading on my back patio with my pit bull, Tobin. Traveling and attending concerts with my husband, Nick. Spending time with my nephews and niece. Competing in bar trivia.

Research/QI interests: Molecular targeted therapy for pediatric oncology.

Why pediatric hematology/oncology? I chose pediatric hematology/oncology for the longitudinal relationships with families and patients of a variety of ages, the combination of inpatient and outpatient medicine for a spectrum of clinical status (stable to critically ill), and the highly collaborative culture amongst pediatric hematology/oncology docs at pediatric institutions. Additionally, the relationships between physicians and patients/families are embedded in resilience and teamwork.

Why IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital? The culture at Riley Hospital is really great for trainees. They are used to having fellows and teaching but also comfortable functioning without them if needed. There is a wide array of patient presentations from common to exceedingly rare with encouragement of fellows to be involved. Everyone is very supportive while also building space for you to take ownership of patients and decision making.

Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Peyton Manning Children's Hospital
Hobbies: Running, hiking, camping, crocheting, going to music festivals

Research / QI interests: I do not have a specific topic of interest yet but I have a particular love for the AYA population and survivorship and how life evolves for these patients beyond treatment. I am also interested in austere medicine and helping improve access to underserved and rural populations.

Why pediatric hematology/oncology? I wanted a patient population who I would get to know and care for long term both in an inpatient and outpatient setting, and a specialty that would let me dip my toe into critical care medicine. Additionally the biology is endlessly fascinating and the landscape of care for patients with cancer is constantly evolving, making it exciting and dynamic.

Medical School: South Carolina College of Medicine
Residency: Medical University of South Carolina

Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base/Wright State University/Dayton Children's Hospital
Beyond Residency: General pediatrician at Yokota Air Base, Japan
Hobbies: I love cooking, especially tackling new and challenging recipes, staying active outdoors through hiking, running and sports, and spending time with my wife and our two kids.

Research/QI Interests: I do not have a specific research focus locked in yet — I am looking forward to rotating through each of the primary services at least once before working with faculty to find a project that is the right fit.

Why Pediatric Hematology/Oncology? I was drawn to the balance of inpatient and outpatient medicine this field offers, along with the chance to get to know patients and families deeply over the course of what is often a prolonged therapy journey. There's also tremendous variety, with opportunities to sub-specialize down the road.

Why Riley Hospital? As an active-duty Air Force service member on a civilian-sponsored fellowship, I chose Riley Hospital because it's a high-volume, highly reputable program with a Midwestern warmth and sensibility — and it has the added benefit of keeping me closer to family.