Annette (she/her) is a senior majoring in molecular cell biology. Her research interests include genetics and reproductive biology. In her free time, Annette enjoys traveling, cooking, and trying new things!

Annette joined the Hanlon Lab in the fall of 2023 and has continued working as a student researcher under principal investigator Dr. Stacey Hanlon. Her lab studies B chromosome dynamics in the fruit fly. She received a 2024 SURF Award, allowing her to embark on her first independent research project. Her project focuses on how oocyte age impacts B chromosome transmission.

Annette is passionate about research and sharing what she has found. Her first presentation was at the 2024 Fall Frontiers poster exhibition, sharing her results from her first summer of research. In March 2025, Annette was chosen to represent UConn at the Big East Undergraduate Poster Symposium in New York City. Also in March, Annette attended and presented at the National Drosophila Conference in San Diego with the help of an OUR Conference Presentation Award and a Genetic Society of America Undergraduate Travel Award. Annette also presented her findings at the University of Connecticut 2025 Fly Club Symposium, where she took home a Best Poster Award. Annette spent the 2025 summer in the lab making advances in her project.

During her first year at UConn in the fall of 2022, Annette got involved in HuskyTHON, raising money and spreading awareness for Connecticut Children's Hospital. Additionally, she became an active member of Alpha Beta Epsilon, UConn’s premier biology fraternity. In the Summer of 2023, Annette spent two weeks in Tanzania, Africa volunteering in a local hospital with PMGY UConn. During the fall 2024 semester, Annette was a First Year Experience mentor to a class that focuses on STEM undergraduate research. More recently, Annette was selected to be on UConn’s CLAS Student Leadership Board.

In the future, Annette plans to pursue graduate studies in developmental genetics. She aspires to become an embryologist and work at a fertility clinic. She is fascinated with the evolving reproductive field and the new technologies within.

Before coming to UConn, Annette was unaware of all of the research opportunities available to her. Getting involved in research has helped Annette find her passion and changed her career goals. She recommends that everyone should give research a try!