Alyssa Powell Email and Phone Number

Rotation student in Dr. Santos Franco's lab. My project focuses on investigating the tumor microenvironment in pediatric diffuse midline gliomas.

Rotation student in Dr. Jessica Nelson's Lab. My project focuses on molecular-genetic, cell-biological, and circuit-based techniques to identify how neural circuits develop and how they are modified to regulate sensory thresholds

Worked as a staff research associate for the Hockemeyer and Bateup Labs at UC Berkeley in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology. The goal of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) collaborative project is to combine complex human cell culture models such as 3D brain organoids with sophisticated genome-scale functional analysis to elucidate how diverse genetic factors interact and contribute to the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease (PD); thereby informing the development of early detection diagnostics and advanced treatment options.

Worked as a research associate in the Cognitive Neuroscience (CNS) department at Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. I was a major contributor on a project to develop a gene therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (partnership with Novartis Pharmaceuticals).

Presented my work at the Sangamo Therapeutics Annual Research Retreat 20222022. Powell, A., Chou, V., Yu, Q., Yabut, O. “Developing a High Throughput Assay to Assess Neuronal and Glial Cell Health In Vitro”, Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. Research Conference, Richmond, CA, October (Poster).

Worked in Dr. Gabriel Zada’s translational neuroscience laboratory at USC, where we studied the genomics and epigenetics of brain and pituitary tumors. As a master’s student I investigated the expression of a FOXC1-FOXCUT related mRNA-lncRNA pair in primary meningioma versus dura tissue. I also studied the functional role of FOXC1-FOXCUT in terms of meningioma cell invasion and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) secretion in vitro.

Worked in Dr. Randy Carney’s Biomedical Engineering laboratory, where we engineered nanoplasmonic materials and substrates for developing new diagnostic platforms for rapid and accurate detection and monitoring of cancer. As an undergraduate student, I assisted on a project dedicated to early stage development of regenerative therapies for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. I also collaborated on a project that did a comparative study of different extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation techniques to determine the extent of lipoprotein contamination in clinical EV samples taken from the whole blood of head and neck cancer patients to test whether Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) can be used as a novel tool to assess EV sample purity.

I was invited to present my research at the International Society of Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV 2020) Conference in Philadelphia. Powell, Alyssa, Koster, Hanna.J., Pham, Dina, Birkland, Andrew, and Carney, Randy. “Assessment of Various Extracellular Vesicle Isolation Methods Through Chemical Analysis with Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy,” International Society of Extracellular Vesicles Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, July (Poster).Mizenko, Rachel, Powell, Alyssa, and Carney, Randy. “Analysis of Tetraspanin Expression and Spatial Arrangement for EV Subpopulations Using Single Particle Interferometric Reflectance Imaging and Immunofluorescence,” International Society of Extracellular Vesicles Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, July (Oral).

Presented my research at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference. Powell, Alyssa, Koster, Hanna.J., Pham, Dina, Birkland, Andrew, and Carney, Randy. “Assessment of Various Extracellular Vesicle Isolation Methods Through Chemical Analysis with Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy,” International Society of Extracellular Vesicles Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, July (Poster).

Represented the College of Engineering and participated in recruiting, retention, outreach, and student success activities. Other responsibilities include: • Perform tours of College of Engineering labs and spaces• Represent the College of Engineering at outreach/recruitment events such as Decision Day, Picnic Day, information sessions, college fairs and university visit programs• Participate in student panels• Represent College of Engineering at industry and alumni functions

Taught beginner level swim classes. Created workouts and lessons in order to develop technique and strengthen abilities. Created a positive and fun environment in which to motivate and instill confidence and encourage children to participate in swimming.

Duties include greeting and interacting with administration, athletes, trainers, and patrons, answering phones, handling inquiries, sorting and distributing mail, replying to emails, and recording meeting minutes and memos.

Assisted students individually to improve math skills. Created interactive activities to help encourage positive study habits. Monitored students’ progress, identified areas needing improvement, helped with homework and preparing students for tests.