Perform experiments to identify genes involved in cardiac and skeletal muscle development and regenerationDesign and generate mouse models via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editingPublications:Ramirez Martinez, A., Zhang, Y., Chen, K., Kim, J., Cenik, BK., McAnally, JR., Cai, C., Shelton, JM., Huang, J., Brennan, A. et al. "Essentiality of the nuclear envelope protein Net39 for nuclear integrity, chromatin organization, and muscle growth. " Nat Commun. (NCOMMS-20-03597). Submitted Jan. 27, 2020. In RevisionRamirez Martinez, A., Zhang, Y., Brennan, A. et al. "Control of Nuclear Envelope Organization by the Micropeptide Banf1." UT Southwestern Medical Center, Genes, Development, & Disease Retreat. Oct. 25, 2019 (Poster).

Educate students on wellness topics, including mental health, nutrition, exercise, & sexual health, and collaborate with the Assistant Director of Health Promotion to develop outreach events. Manage and create health promotion content on social media outlets to share with the SMU communityThrough this program I proposed and established a monthly campus farmers market with my student wellness team.

Maintain cell culture and perform drug assays for molecules that target cryptochrome, an essential regulator of the mammalian circadian clock.

The Folmes lab studies the effects of mitochondrial activity and energy metabolism on the fate of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). My summer research analyzed the effects of culturing iPSCs at 5% oxygen. I used immunofluorescence to quantify DNA damage response pathway activation and cell proliferation.

The Svendsen Laboratory mission is to study neurodegenerative diseases using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a disease treatment and for disease modeling. My summer research focused on analyzing the accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons derived from Parkinson's Disease patient iPSCs. Our work addressed two questions: Do our differentiated cells express markers consistent with dopaminergic neuron identity? and is the observed accumulation in alpha-synuclein explained by RNA expression differences between PD and control cells? By means of end-point PCR and qPCR, we concluded that our cells closely resemble expression patterns in dopaminergic neurons and that there is no significant difference in alpha-synuclein expression levels between both iPSC lines and differentiated neurons. I also created and presented a poster of my research. I was selected as one of four winners out of 26 other college and post bac. students at the poster day event.Skills:Perform immunocytochemistry, total RNA isolations, gDNA isolations, qPCR and end-point PCRAnalyze and organize data using Microsoft ExcelCreate and present an academic posterParticipate in biweekly lab meetingsAttend networking events and healthcare seminars

Students Engaged in Rounding and Volunteering program. 100 hours of Volunteer service.Rounded on patients in the Emergency DepartmentAssisted registered nurses and PCTsAssisted with patient transportShadowed physicians and observed surgeries

Compiled medical records and chartsOperated computer software and office equipmentTransferred lab results to the appropriate clinicianMaintained supplies and appearance for the office

I traveled with an international group of students to build the foundation of a school in rural Kenya. In addition, I attended leadership and social action seminars. I visited a local hospital and learned the obstacles they faced in providing quality care to their community.