Piper grew up in Trenton, Illinois, before heading west to attend Arizona State University, where she earned a BS in Biological Sciences along with a certificate in Biomedical Research. During her time at ASU, Piper worked in Dr. Shelley Haydel’s lab studying two-component systems in Mycobacterium. After graduation, Piper joined Mayo Clinic, where she conducted research in the lab of Drs. Alfred Doyle and Ben Wright investigating allergic disease pathogenesis. 

Piper is currently a PhD student in the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology department, where she is interested in the role of host-microbe interactions in neurodegenerative disease. Outside of the lab, you can find Piper exploring nature parks across North Carolina, staying active, and reading.