My name is Anastasia, and I am beginning my MSc in Biochemistry this fall at McMaster University, where I recently completed my undergraduate degree. My passion for science is rooted in curiosity shaped by my personal experience living with celiac disease, which sparked my interest in gastrointestinal and immune-mediated disorders. This summer, I will be investigating how dietary tryptophan metabolites influence peanut allergy severity through gut microbiota-driven mechanisms. I am particularly interested in understanding how diet and microbial interactions shape immune responses and contribute to disease. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with my dog!