Research Engineering / Science Associate I tasked with aiding Dr. Tanya Paull in exploring the DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathway in eukaryotic cells with deleterious, double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs).- Performs Chromatin Immunoprecipitation and Gentle-Lysis ChIP ("Glass ChIP") in mammalian cells with modeled DSB sites using the ASI-S1 system to generate DNA fragments for real-time qPCR analysis and Next Generation Sequencing- Preparation of ChIP samples for Next Generation Sequencing using NEB Ultra II Double-Strand Library prep and IDT xGen Single-Stranded DNA Library prep kits- Alignment, peak-calling, and visualization of ChIP-seq data via the Galaxy platform- Maintenance of mammalian cell culture lines (U2O-S, HCT116, IMR90, HEK293-T, HT1080, etc.) in compliance with BS2 safety regulationsOther skills include SDS-Gel page electrophoresis and western blot analysis, CRISPR-Cas9 light-activated ChIP (and Cas9 nuclear transfection using Lonza Nucleofection kits), transduction of mammalian cells with lentiviral particles, bacterial transformation, mini- and midiprep, agarose gel electrophoresis, and so on. ---Official job description:Research Assistant in the Paull Laboratory exploring DNA damage responses in eukaryotic cells with chromosomal double-strand breaks. Responsible for evaluation, selection, and application of standard engineering and/or scientific techniques used in routine research. Makes and records observations and measurements, and further compiles data. Sets up and operates apparatus or equipment. Inspects minor construction or assembly to ensure conformity to project specifications. Collects and analyzes samples and further organizes information for reports. Conducts directed phases of research projects.

Maintained a safe and stable lab environment by teaching incoming freshmen proper lab techniques and protocols (such as DNA miniprep, PCR, agarose and SDS-Page gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, protein expression and purification, etc). for Biobricks procedures. Provided students with constructive notes for improvement on lab reports and scientific analysis, and further mentored online small group environments for experiment development.

Assisted the Women in Natural Sciences Program with the coordination of fundraising and alumni connections, panels, and volunteer events. Facilitated the introduction of first-year students through extensive mentorship, professional development, and project assistance with an emphasis on achieving academic goals. Prepared prospective students with information about the WINS program and college registration through virtual summer orientation.

Participated in the Biobricks of Molecular Machines Research Stream to study the CDX2 protein and its inhibitory effect on ATM interactions within DNA double stranded breaks. Main tasks included protein expression and purification.

HSRA is a summer program hosted by the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin to introduce high school students to interactive and ongoing research opportunities. During this time, I worked as a teaching assistant under Dr. Soo-Hyun Yang with the Biobricks for Molecular Machines lab to teach students various biochemical lab techniques over the course of the 5-week virtual program. Topics included wet-lab procedures such as PCR, DNA miniprep, bacterial transformation, protein expression and protein purification, as well as science communication, with lectures on oral and poster presentations, abstract writing, and scientific analysis. Student progress was supervised through the completion of worksheets, projects, and an end-of-program poster presentation.