Audrey Harper Email & Phone Number

Lexington, Ky, Us

Lexington, Ky, Us

As a research assistant in this lab, I am actively involved in experiments when planning, troubleshooting, and interpreting results. This project encompasses the exploration of DNA computing techniques. DNA computing is a field in which DNA and other genetic material are used to make various computations as opposed to the typical electronic-based mechanisms. It is beneficial to use DNA as a medium for computing because it is relatively inexpensive, it has extensive data storage capabilities, and it can be stored for extended periods of time without degradation. This supports that DNA computing could surpass the current electronic-based computing in efficiency and storage capabilities. My contribution to this project entails experimentally implementing a method using DNA to perform multiplication. I make protocols, participate in routine lab meetings, and optimize the experimental design based on the results of each experiment.The genetic logic circuits that we are investigating also have promising capabilities for cell classification by sensing features of mRNAs. This could provide an alternative way to create synthetically engineered “smart” drugs that target specific diseases for specific patients. I acted as the student lead on a subsection of this project in which we applied these techniques to create a mechanism to identify a protein common in patient's suspected to have Alzheimer's disease. This protein can be identified in a sample of blood making it relatively cheap and simple to obtain. We presented the results of our experiment in an international competition for biomolecular design in Tokyo, Japan.

As a medical scribe, I work in the colorectal surgery department at the University of Louisville and in a clinic for interventional cardiology at Baptist Health Lexington. I have the opportunity to work alongside wonderful providers to document patient information accurately and efficiently while building an expansive knowledge of medical terminology and the electronic health record. Since January of 2022, I have worked two to five days per week for five different physicians and one PA. I have witnessed provider-patient interactions, medical decision making, and health-care team dynamics from several diverse perspectives. I have also taken on an additional position training new scribes to teach healthcare workflow and professional conduct.