Conducted NSF-funded research on the extract of Southern Californian native plants Adenostoma sparsifolium and the alkaloid extract of Datura wrightii, testing for their angiogenic effects. These effects were investigated by treating human primary cells with each extract and measuring cellular proliferation, nitric oxide production, and genetic expression measured with qRT-PCR. Chemical analysis was conducted on the extracts as well using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and LC-MS. Techniques used for… Show more Conducted NSF-funded research on the extract of Southern Californian native plants Adenostoma sparsifolium and the alkaloid extract of Datura wrightii, testing for their angiogenic effects. These effects were investigated by treating human primary cells with each extract and measuring cellular proliferation, nitric oxide production, and genetic expression measured with qRT-PCR. Chemical analysis was conducted on the extracts as well using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and LC-MS. Techniques used for this research also included mammalian cell culture and RNA extraction and isolation. This project was presented at the 2017 American Society of Cell Biology | EMBO Meeting in Philadelphia. Show less

Selected to assist the Pepperdine Natural Science Division through student leadership, research, and organization. Provided scientific knowledge to aid and mentor biology students in their research projects and studies in microbiology, cellular biology, and cellular biochemistry courses. Graded laboratory quizzes, homework, and in-class assignments for the professor as well as prepare and oversee laboratory experiments.