Garnett is a true Charlottesville native with deep roots in our community and a genuine love for the area she calls home. Her career journey has been wonderfully eclectic – she started in the automotive world after high school, learning auto mechanics, and working on cars before deciding to "switch gears" and pursue her passion for science. Garnett graduated from Mary Baldwin College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in biomedical science.

For the past 12 years, she has been a dedicated researcher in laboratories at UVA, contributing to vital research on cancer, stem cells, and most recently working on an innovative project developing a more physiologically relevant model for Alzheimer's disease. Throughout her research career, she developed a genuine appreciation for the dedicated professionals managing the essential administrative functions that make groundbreaking scientific discoveries possible here at UVA. She is excited to contribute to the University in a new and meaningful way at A&S.

Garnett lives in Troy with her husband Jason and their Bernese Mountain dog, Toby (pictured). They enjoy exploring the outdoors whether by land or water – hiking and kayaking are favorite pastimes. Garnett is perhaps best known around Fluvanna County for her unique Halloween displays that transform their front yard into elaborately spooky wonderlands each October. From alien invasions with crashed spaceships to pirate ships battling giant krakens, my creative displays have become legendary and were even featured in UVA Today. She loves how the things I dream up and create can bring the community together and give neighbors something exciting to look forward to each year.

Garnett will be working in NCH #337 on a hybrid schedule – in the office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – so please stop by and say hello when you have a chance. Just don't ask about her this year's Halloween theme – that's top secret!