CV

Education

• Ph.D., Integrative and Evolutionary Biology, University of Southern California (in progress)
• B.A., Biological Sciences & Music, Vanderbilt University, 2024

Work Experience

• January 2025 - Present: Graduate Research Assistant @ University of Southern California
  • Supervisor: Dr. David Raichlen
• June 2021 - May 2024: Undergraduate Researcher @ Vanderbilt University
  • Supervisor: Dr. Nicole Creanza
  • Investigated the role of learned birdsong vocalization on maintenance of reproductive boundaries
  • Studied urbanization’s effects on birdsong across time and space
  • Communicated research findings through manuscripts and conference presentations
• October 2022 - May 2024: Laboratory Assistant @ Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Supervisors: Dr. Patrick Hu and Dr. Titan Shih
  • Performed DNA and protein extraction, ran gels, completed PCR, and transferred C. elegans between plates while assisting with research projects
  • Poured agar plates, made stock solutions, and ordered supplies
• August 2023 - May 2024: Learning Assistant @ Vanderbilt University
  • Learning Assistant for Introduction to Biology I (BSCI 1510) and Introduction to Biology II (BSCI 1511)
  • Facilitated productive small-group discussions, prompted students to think deeper about challenging concepts, and created a welcoming environment for students to feel comfortable in a large introductory STEM course
• January 2023 - May 2023: Teaching Assistant @ Vanderbilt University
  • Teaching Assistant for Evolution (BSCI 2205)
  • Hosted weekly office hours and held review sessions before exams

Skills

• Computing: R/R Studio, Python, QGIS, Chipper software
• Data Science: Data collection, data processing, data analysis, visualization, machine learning
• Laboratory: Sterile technique, pipetting, DNA and protein extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR
• Languages: English (native), Spanish (intermediate), Mandarin (elementary)

Publications

Song distinguishability predicts reproductive isolation between subspecies of the dark-eyed junco

Hourihan, S.; Hudson, E.; Leon, X.; Beach, E.; Rhodes, S.; Creanza, N. (2023). "Song distinguishability predicts reproductive isolation between subspecies of the dark-eyed junco" Biorxiv. 1(1).

Talks

2022 Spring Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Fair

April 14, 2022

Virtual Talk at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

2023 Annual Evolution Meeting

June 25, 2023

Contributed Talk at Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, NM

2023 Vanderbilt MARC End-of-Summer Symposium

August 02, 2023

Oral Presentation at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

2023 Beckman Foundation Symposium

August 04, 2023

Plenary Talk at Irvine Marriott Conference Center, Irvine, California

2024 SWABA Meeting

November 08, 2024

Oral Presentation at University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Teaching

Teaching Assistant

Learning Assistant

Service and Leadership

• August 2025 - Present: USC Women in Science and Engineering, PhD Division
  • Social Chair 2025-26 academic year
  • Plan events to support and uplift women in STEM
• August 2022 - May 2024: Vanderbilt University Microbiome Society
  • President 2023-24 academic year; Vice President 2022-23 academic year
  • Educate the Vanderbilt and greater Nashville community about the human microbiome
  • Partner with BELL Garden, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Nashville General Hospital Food Pharmacy to distribute gut-healthy foods to community members in need
• August 2020 - May 2024: Vanderbilt STEM Transition and Retention Program
  • Peer mentor starting January 2023; General member previously
  • Mentorship program for 1st- and 2nd-year Vanderbilt students to explore careers in STEM and get involved in research
  • Specifically helps students from underrepresented groups to increase diversity and participation in STEM
• August 2020 - May 2022: Vanderbilt Athletic Bands
  • Secretary and Treasuser 2021-22 season
  • Clarinetist in the Spirit of Gold Marching Band and Anchor of Sound Basketball Band

Awards

• USC WiSE Travel Grant - $500
• USC Dornsife PhD Academy Research Grant - $400
• Arnold and Mabel Beckman Scholarship - $26,000
• Vanderbilt/NIH Pre-MARC Summer Research Fellowship - $2,500
• Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Travel Grant - $1,000
• Selma Ruben Scholarship - $77,046
• Highest Honors in Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt (May 2024)
• Outstanding Research in Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt Award (May 2024)
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship - Honorable Mention (April 2024)
• Vanderbilt College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s List (Fall 2020 - May 2024)
• 3x Illinois All-State Honors Musician (2018 - 2020)