Fitty grew up in California, a wild child impassioned by art and philosophy. They attended the University of California, Berkeley, and through an epistemology seminar with Dr. Russell Vance, became deeply interested in scientific research and the philosophy of science. With a newfound interest, Fitty ended their short pre-med stint and joined the Vance Lab as an undergrad tech, researching the role of inflammasomes in Shigella infection and transmission. During undergrad, they also spent time at the University of Copenhagen, working on pathophysiological mechanisms of muscle contractures and spasticity. Fitty graduated from Berkeley in 2022 with a bachelor’s in molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Immunology and Infectious Diseases and a minor in cell- and tissue-focused Bioengineering. After undergrad, Fitty continued research in the Vance Lab, elucidating mechanisms of Interferon-gamma-mediated protection in the context of Shigella infection. They joined the Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis program at Weill Cornell and the Hohl Lab shortly after, excited to investigate interactions between Aspergillus fumigatus and the lung immune system. Outside of host-pathogen interactions, Fitty is passionate about accessibility in science and enjoys biking, picnics, throwing elaborate parties, and exploring the endlessness of New York City.