Participated in operations for twenty clinical research studies at Duke alongside seven other coordinators. I personally led day-to-day tasks of a head trauma diagnostic software study, a stroke functional outcomes study, and a hyperbaric medicine study investigating underwater aerobic capacity enhancements. My responsibilities included enrolling patients, conducting required assessments and procedures, and collecting and processing biospecimens. Additionally, I facilitated many monitoring and audit visits and recorded and communicated information about adverse events to the Duke Institutional Review Board (IRB) and study sponsors. This was also my first significant experience training employees; I trained two new employees over the course of four months. Lastly, and most importantly, I supported patients’ experiences through transparent, empathetic communication, prioritizing patient rights, and considering all ethical ramifications of my decisions.

I pursued independent research to assess methylphenidate effects on resting state neural activity. Lab responsibilities included performing descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, administration of standardized tests to research subjects, and assistance at subject fMRI scans.

I worked on a project that assessed TARP-gamma 8 contribution to addiction. Lab responsibilities included running mice in a variety of behavioral tests (e.g., operant chambers, open arm maze, light/dark box), measuring and recording mouse vitals, assistance on whole animal perfusions, brain slicing with vibratome, and carrying out in situ hybridization protocol, including antibody staining and molecular imaging.

Assisted on a project that evaluated extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid as a potential biomarker of risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. I acquired advanced technical skills in R, Autoseg, and MRI scan analysis. I presented project findings at the North Carolina School of Science and Math Research Symposium, April 25, 2017.

This non-profit organization located in downtown Greensboro is dedicated to the rehabilitation of adults with serious mental illness, striving to give them the skills needed to find and maintain a useful role in society. I assisted these adults in job searches and wellness activities. I developed and led various craft, physical activity, and educational tasks.