What has your life been like since graduating from the University of Pittsburgh?
After I graduated in December 2005 with a degree in Bioengineering, I did some acting and traveling to spend quality time with friends and family. I filmed the horror feature film “The Redsin Tower” while I was in finals week of my second to last semester at the University of Pittsburgh. The movie was filmed at various locations around Pittsburgh. The summer after I graduated, I filmed a second feature-length film titled “Better Luck Yesterday.” Both films are independent features produced and directed from local companies. I like that I started out small, learning the craft, this will make me better prepared if I move onto movies with larger budgets and, of course, more competition. I was able to grow into a character throughout each process. It was quite a challenge (especially while in school) because I would study and attend class in the day and at night I would film a scene from “The Redsin Tower”. To add additional stress, “The Redsin Tower” took place all in one evening and my character’s emotion was very specific. Therefore, I had to draw the same exact feeling/emotion every evening after having had to cram for finals during the day. It was quite a task but I would not change a thing if I could.
What are you doing now?
I am currently in medical school at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in NYC; I am pursuing a dual MD/PhD. My PhD will focus on HIV Vaccine development on a molecular level. Since I am pursuing two degrees, I will be in school for eight years (rather than four) prior to entering in a residency program to begin my specialty training. As for acting I did get a call in New York for another horror film and went out on the audition. I knew walking into the audition that I couldn’t do it. In this case, the film would have been too much. I am keeping an open mind to it, but it will be hard to do with med school unless I get an agent and a steady acting schedule. On the bright side, once I finish my first two years of medical school, I enter into a lab to pursue my PhD. While doing research, I will have nights and weekends available if I wish to continue acting (which I do....)