Research Supervisor/Mentor: Renee Read, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology.Objective: Characterization of cellular heterogeneity in vestibular schwannoma. The purpose of this study was to determine the immunologic composition of vestibular schwannomas, looking at both preserved and fresh surgical specimens to characterize immune cell type and quantity through translational research.Responsibilities: Data collection, experimental setup, coordination with neurosurgery and neuropathology colleagues to obtain specimens, maintenance of patient-derived cellular cultures, optimization of dissociation and flow cytometry protocols, data analysis, assisting fellow students and lab members as needed, and preparation of written and oral material.Intended Outcomes: We expected to find the immune composition to consist of a high proportion of myeloid macrophages and microglia. Preliminary data showed high expression of genes involved in macrophage activation; experimental data showed a high microglia component within the tumor. This could suggest potential novel therapeutic targets for treatment.

Outfitted customers to outdoor gear best suited for their pursuits. Responsible for advancing new business development initiatives and overseeing merchandising efforts.Consulted with customers, assisted with selections, made recommendations, and facilitated sales, providing personalized service.Engaged in suggestive selling of merchandise and upselling to customers to increase average sale. Consistently exceeded sales goals and objectives each month.

Research Supervisor/Mentor: Nicholas Boulis, MD, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine.Objective: To determine optimal neuromodulation via gene therapy in the spinal cord by using botulism and tetanus toxins in a rodent model through translational research. Responsibilities: Data collection, upkeep of experimental rodents, performing rodent neurosurgery to inject gene therapy vector directly into spinal cord, behavior assays of post-surgical rats, and tissue preparation and processing for further characterization. Trained fellow students in experimental and surgical techniques.Intended Outcomes: One expected outcome of this study was to find an optimal gene therapy toxin to neuromodulate motor neuron activity. We expected significant change from the control.

Research Supervisor/Mentor: Victor Corces, PhD, Professor, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine.Objective: Used green fluorescent protein trap in Drosophila melanogaster to screen for novel proteins involved in the spacial organization of the cell nucleus through epigenetic basic science research. This was done in the context of an HHMI-funded program, (RISE), that brought local public high school students into the laboratory to get experience in biomedical research as a career choice and to receive mentorship from faculty, staff, and students as these students applied to colleges.Responsibilities: Data collection, coordinated RISE program with the assistance of a post-doctoral fellow, supervised students conducting experiments, maintained fly stocks, taught students about science, provided SAT and biology tutoring, reviewed student college applications, reviewed and analyzed data, wrote manuscripts, and gave presentations on data. Work was for honors thesis. Intended Outcomes: We expected to identify several novel proteins involved in nuclear structure and architecture. The high school students would then design and perform experiments to begin characterizing the function of these proteins.

Provided first response on all EMS calls (911) and emergency medical services on campus. Emergency care included assessing patient and scene, stabilization and treatment of patient, ensuring safety, administering appropriate medically necessary treatment, and transporting or releasing patients.Assessed the nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.Coordinated with paramedics, nurses and physicians to obtain patient vital signs and medical history to determine the circumstances of the emergency and administer treatment. Ensured quality and appropriateness of care for all age groups.Performed emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures such as stomach suction, airway management, or heart monitoring

Assisted a group of 20 undergraduate students in weekly group study sessions.Stimulated class discussions, proofread papers/recommended changes, and acted as a liaison between students and professor. Provided academic and administrative assistance and support to students outside the classroom. Graded papers, gave review lectures prior to exams, organized class database and website, and helped formulate/administer tests.Conducted individualized tutoring sessions with students.