Performed molecular biology research in multiple animal systems investigating the role of mechanosensitive endothelial cell populations in extracellular matrix stratification during cardiac valve development

• Discovered that the localization of Prox1 impacts heart valve development and disease in a mouse modelo Used a Cre/Lox system to selectively overexpress Prox1 in cardiac valve endothelial cells in miceo Utilized fluorescent microscopy to identify expression patterns of Prox1 and to characterize the extracellular matrix within cardiac valve sectionso Designed a unique protocol utilizing histology to generate 3D reconstructions with Imaris software – Quantified volume of heart valves of Prox1 overexpressing and control miceo Designed, performed, and analyzed a CUT&RUN protocol on isolated cardiac valve endothelial cells– Compared 3 data sets to identify 135 genes that may be directly regulated by Prox1– Validated top Prox1 targets in vivo using patented RNAscope technology o Concluded that the mis-localization of Prox1 leads to enlarged heart valves with abnormal extracellular matrix stratification• Student Admissions Representative/Social Coordinator, Molecular and Developmental Biology Ph.D. Program• Mentored multiple undergraduate and graduate students

• Performed molecular biology research to design and implement CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in cultured mouse embryonic stem cells as well as studied the human umbilical cord

Developed and perform protocols to ensure product quality of consumer goods

- Worked with individual students on math, chemistry, physics and major courses- Ran group sessions of 2-12 people on math, chemistry, physics and major courses