Vanessa received B.S. degrees in Mathematics with a focus in Applied Mathematics, and Secondary Mathematics Education along with a minor in Biochemistry from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She is entering IQ Biology through the Department of Applied Mathematics. Vanessa completed her first rotation in Nancy Rodriguez's lab in the Department of Applied Mathematics. She completed her second rotation in Dan Larremore's lab in the Department of Computer Science. Her third rotation was completed with Cresten Mansfeldt within the Department of Environmental Engineering. For Vanessa's team rotation, she worked with two other IQ students in Cresten Mansfeldt and Lizzy Trower's Labs in the departments of Environmenal Engineering and Geological Sciences. Vanessa joined the Mansfeldt Lab in May 2023.