Providing educational support for global learning in Cell Biology and General Biology through MIT's edX MOOC (massive open online course) platform

Expanding upon my work with the Graybiel lab this summer, I am introducing molecular tools into striosome neurons in the dorsal striatum for subsequent implantation and in vivo calcium imaging in behaving adult mice to explore the role of the striosomal system in cost-benefit decision-making, reinforcement-related signaling, and aberrant behavioral modulation using mouse models of Huntington's disease, autism spectrum disorders, and addiction.

· Participated in MIT’s selective summer research program, funded by the National Science Foundation and MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences diversity initiative for 10 weeks of intensive research in the laboratory of Dr. Ann Graybiel· Conducted comparative analysis of striatal development in mouse models using a Cre-ERT2/loxP tamoxifen-inducible system to optimize striosomal labeling during neurogenesis and confirmed these zones immunohistochemically using tdTomato-labelled neuropil.· Gained proficiency in lens implantation and viral injection surgeries, ran experiments using two-photon calcium imaging, and used immunohistochemical analysis for functional characterization of striatal neurons in mice.

- Investigating barriers to developmental evaluation, diagnosis, and services for underserved populations through systematic assessment and partnership with community-based early childhood programs as part of a six-year, NIH-funded longitudinal study.- Evaluating children ages fourteen months to three years for risk of autism spectrum disorders through cognitive, behavioral, and eye-tracking assessment tools- Conducting early analysis and reconciliation of project data using REDCap system and SPSS

NIH-funded research trainee in the lab of Dr. Matthew Wilson at MIT's Picower Institute where I constructed and tested micro-drive arrays for chronic in vivo electrophysiological recording in rodent models to explore neural circuitry of learning and memory consolidation

· Served on an interdisciplinary team providing direct care and counseling services for homeless and at-risk youth in two transitional living programs· Funded by Department of Health and Human Services for an alternative education model, providing street outreach medical education and addiction counseling services· Spearheaded the development of an intuitive aftercare data collection system, improving the quantitative assessment of clinical treatment models· Standardized collection, maintenance, and reporting of all client-level data through the Homeless Management Information System, improving program access to Continuum of Care funding