I hold a Master’s degree in Environmental Health with a focus on toxicology from Johns Hopkins University. During my studies, I developed a strong passion for understanding how environmental exposures impact human health, with particular interest in respiratory diseases. At school, I conducted research in a laboratory specializing in lung epithelial responses to both non-infectious particles, such as cigarette smoke and particulate matter, and infectious agents like viruses and bacteria. My work explored the interactions between epithelial cells and the extracellular matrix/fibroblasts, using advanced culture models to simulate the lung microenvironment. This research provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of lung injury and repair, contributing to the development of strategies aimed at promoting lung health and reversing epithelial damage.