What inspired you to pursue aging research?
As advances in science and medicine continue to extend life expectancy, age-related diseases are going to be one of the largest public health issues in my generation. This is a major factor that inspired me to pursue aging research.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean, for you, to receive an AFAR grant now?
Researchers funded through AFAR are at the forefront of understanding not simply how we age, but why we age. Receiving an AFAR grant as junior faculty is a valuable opportunity to join this vibrant research community and contribute to new discoveries in the science of aging.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
If immune decline actually causes aging, which is the focus of my research, this means that interventions targeting immune health have the potential to extend healthy years of life.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
The immune system is best known for its protective role against infections. However, immune cells also safeguard other aspects of health and fitness. We are interested in understanding how this process works and if it can be harnessed to delay age-related diseases.
