Max graduated with their BS in Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma in 2017. There, they studied the effects of population density on innate immunity in colony-nesting songbirds and became interested in the factors facilitating or preventing zoonotic disease outbreaks. Max graduated with their DVM from Colorado State University in 2022, as well as completing an MPH degree from the Colorado School of Public Health as part of a combined DVM/MPH program. In vet school, Max developed a passion for anatomic pathology. In their current work as a postdoctoral researcher, Max investigates the dermal immune environment in canine leishmaniosis, particularly how changes in this environment influence the infectivity of dogs to feeding sandflies.

When not looking a microscope images, Max can be found working their way through stacks of library books and hanging out with their cat, Cthulhu.