In the Wallace lab at UGA's Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, I work with a novel, programable, phosphoserine incorporation system in E. coli to express and purify phosphorylated proteins involved in the Cellulose Synthase Complex (CSC) in Arabidopsis thaliana. By observing the consequences of these modifications in Vitro we hope to better understand the broader impact of dynamic phosphorylation signaling in cellulose synthesis.

As a garden sales associate, I was responsible for assisting customers with a wide variety of landscaping and garden questions as well as planning projects, locating merchandise, and providing loading assistance. I was additionally responsible for general maintenance tasks such as watering plants, sweeping, and stocking shelves.

The first-year scholars program at Kennesaw State University was dedicated to providing high-achieving and motivated incoming freshman the opportunity to work on professional research with one of many professors across several different departments. I worked with Dr. Mohammad A. Halim on the characterization and synthesis of conantokins as potential inhibitors of the N-methyl-D-aspertate (NMDA) receptors in Alzheimer's Disease patients. I used molecular docking to computationally screen 42 different conantokins for their global binding affinity towards a known allosteric site for the drug memantine. I then used solid phase peptide synthesis to produce two of the top candidates and used high-performance liquid chromatography and mass-spectrometry to characterize the peptides in both their linear and cyclized forms.

In the mornings, I worked with a small team to prepare the fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables for the serving team. In the afternoons and evenings, I either worked with the serving team to prepare salads to each customer's specifications or I worked in the kitchen to wash dishes and clean in preparation for closing.

Working in the hardware department at Walmart, I worked with a team to fulfill wide variety of responsibilities including cashiering, mixing paint, testing car batteries, making keys, and providing assistance locating products for many different projects including general car maintenance, landscaping equipment, and home improvement. I also worked to ensure that the inventory in my department was kept up to date and properly stocked. During my time at Walmart I also got several opportunities to lead specialty teams on small projects such as merchandising the back-to-school section and the mulch lot.