Amanda Finn is a nutrition sciences Ph.D. student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was fascinated by the human body in her early education, and intended to become a podiatrist until her junior year of college. She read a peer-reviewed article discussing the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and was motivated to keep asking questions about insulin resistance. Amanda then received research experience and professional development training through the Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) program at her undergraduate institution, California State University Long Beach. She decided to apply to doctoral programs that would allow her to study clinical populations and continue to learn about insulin resistance, endocrinology, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Amanda currently works with Barbara Gower, Ph.D., and is narrowing her research interests for her master’s thesis and eventual dissertation. She is open to different future career opportunities and wants to become a strong leader that can give back to underrepresented communities wherever she ends up. Amanda really enjoys mentoring and volunteering to help undergraduates in STEM!

What are your passions and hobbies?

I enjoy powerlifting, hiking, making soups, and listening to podcasts

Do you have a personal motto or other words to live by?

“Do or do not, there is no try” –Master Yoda

Favorite Snack Food?

Spicy Chips (Tapatio Doritos, Takis)