Amanda is a third-year PhD candidate in Immunology under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Smith. Her academic journey began with a B.S. in genetics and a minor in microbiology at Iowa State University. During her undergraduate years, she conducted research in zoonotic diseases, plant pathology, and pulmonary disease under the guidance of Dr. Melha Mellata, Dr. Larry Halverson, and Dr. Julia Klesney-Tait, respectively. These research experiences ignited Amanda's curiosity and passion for scientific exploration, prompting her to continue her career in research at the University of Iowa. Her dissertation research focuses on delving into the intricacies of C3 glomerulopathy, a chronic kidney disease that currently lacks treatment options. The goal of her research is to identify biomarkers of the disease, improve diagnostics, and pinpoint new therapeutic targets for patients with C3 glomerulopathy. Amanda’s research is supported by a T32 training grant. 

Outside of her research role, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She is an outdoor enthusiast, participating in activities such as hiking, climbing, camping, and gardening. She also cherishes moments spent with her playful puppy.