• Responsible for the staining and imaging of tissue for analysis• Developed and optimized staining protocols

• Investigated natural biologic therapies to promote functional tissue remodeling in the visual system following ocular trauma and ocular neurodegenerative diseases• Mentored and trained 17 undergraduate student researchers on proper laboratory skills and techniques, of which 10 were awarded fellowship opportunities and 2 matriculated into medical school• Assisted in writing 3 NIH grant proposals and 5 journal manuscripts, resulting in 4 publications (1first author) with more manuscripts under review• Collaborated with three Principal Investigators, one post-doctoral fellow, and one graduate student to develop therapies to treat ocular trauma that resulted in filing one invention disclosure at the University of Pittsburgh• Organized and maintained experimental data and surgical logs in Microsoft Excel • Responsible for day to day laboratory operations and maintenance, including ordering supplies and overseeing safety procedures• Planned and participated in optic crush surgical procedures investigating the in vivo effects of our therapies• Developed and optimized SOPs based on research and industry standards • Ran weekly lab meetings, including presenting data and research summaries • Edited and reviewed student fellowship proposals, poster presentations, and senior theses

• Conducted research investigating the effects of several types of extracellular matrix on hippocampal neurons• Developed proper laboratory skills and techniques, including immunostaining and cell culture• Completed Senior Thesis, "Tissue-dependent effects of central nervous system extracellular matrix on hippocampal cell regeneration in culture"

• Conducted campus and city tours for prospective students and their families, serving as a physical representation of the University of Pittsburgh brand• Participated in student recruitment events, including question-and-answer panels, interacting directly with prospective students• Recruited students via telephone and social media to answer questions about student life, academics, campus organizations, and admissions

• Assisted public relations specialists in formulating press releases for the media detailing Federal Highway Administration events and achievements• Managed social media accounts by creating and posting original content

• Evaluated applicants for the Teens for Tomorrow Grant by reviewing their applications and visiting their offices