Doctoral Dissertation: The role of the RNA binding protein, Orb2, in establishing functional centrosome asymmetries for proper asymmetric cell division in Drosophila larval neuronal stem cells.• Conceptualize and conduct experiments to investigate cellular defects during development in genetic mutants vs controls using confocal microscopy.• Developed an extensive understanding of imaging datasets and biostatistics to perform rigorous data analysis and data visualization using ImageJ, R and Python programming tools. • Communicate findings concisely and effectively to diverse audiences through orally presented slide decks and posters generated with Illustrator, Photoshop, and PowerPoint as well as through written communications including published manuscripts and grant applications. • Collaborate with other lab members to continually progress lab productivity.• Mentor junior lab members by offering constructive feedback on experiment design and analysis and by serving as a role model within the lab space.

Contributed to an interdisciplinary team addressing product sales, marketing and customer-facing, technical needs. Concurrently, was part of both the internal IT and lab technician teams.• Communicated effectively with customers, coworkers, suppliers and distributors to act as a primary liaison for the company. Educated others on product applications and addressed technical concerns and questions. • Managed databases using SQL, PHP, and Excel for both internal and customer-facing applications including generating informational webpages and literature using Photoshop and automatic manual generation. • Maintained a deep understanding of the molecular and biochemical biology of products and product applications.

Research Project: Formation of compound plates in the skeleton of the sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla.• Investigated the morphology of the sea urchin, Tripneustes gratilla, using SEM.• Communicated research findings at local and regional conferences.• Assisted in generating field data and maintained chemical inventory databases in Excel.