Work with 2 co-chairs to coordinate the planning and implementation of the NPA annual conference in both virtual and in-person formats. Managed 25+ volunteers across 4 subcommittees to solicit and review proposals and awards, and plan engaging social and networking activities.

De facto lab manager and primary mentor for a new neuroscience lab focused on translating basic science discoveries to clinically relevant discoveries.My main project is the characterization of a novel signaling pathway in neural stem cells during neurodegeneration, focused primarily on demyelinating diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis. Using gene, protein, cell culture and in vivo techniques to assess signaling and recruitment of neural stem cells.Additional Projects: - The role of… Show more De facto lab manager and primary mentor for a new neuroscience lab focused on translating basic science discoveries to clinically relevant discoveries.My main project is the characterization of a novel signaling pathway in neural stem cells during neurodegeneration, focused primarily on demyelinating diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis. Using gene, protein, cell culture and in vivo techniques to assess signaling and recruitment of neural stem cells.Additional Projects: - The role of Gli2 in Gli1 neural stem cells, and how changes to Gli2 effect neural stem cell migration or differentiation.- Identifying changes in oligodendrocytes and myelination of mice modeling Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome).- Identification and characterization of novel proteins involved in the differentiation or maturation potential of oligodendrocyte precursor cells Show less

Through collaboration with the Waisman Center, I have learned induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) techniques such as; fibroblast growth and culture from skin biopsy, iPSC maintenance, passaging and freezing, and iPSC differentiation into frontal cortex neurons or oligodendrocytes. I am currently working with patient cells from the neurodegenerative disease Pelizeaus-Merzbach disease (PMD) to culture patient specific oligodendrocytes.I am also working on an animal model of dymelination, the… Show more Through collaboration with the Waisman Center, I have learned induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) techniques such as; fibroblast growth and culture from skin biopsy, iPSC maintenance, passaging and freezing, and iPSC differentiation into frontal cortex neurons or oligodendrocytes. I am currently working with patient cells from the neurodegenerative disease Pelizeaus-Merzbach disease (PMD) to culture patient specific oligodendrocytes.I am also working on an animal model of dymelination, the taiep rat. The human TUBB4a-related Leukodytrophy is modelled by the taiep rat, as they share the same mutation in an oligodendrocyte tubulin gene. Show less

I studied a novel mouse model of the neurodegenerative disease, multiple sclerosis (MS). I implemented magnetic resonance techniques on a 7T small animal scanner to analyze the progression of the disease in vivo. Also, I worked to develop, test and run behavioral testing on the mice to identify cognitive deficits in a variety of central nervous system (CNS) pathways. During this time I also maintained a breeding and experimental colony of mice for all experiments. To identify cellular and… Show more I studied a novel mouse model of the neurodegenerative disease, multiple sclerosis (MS). I implemented magnetic resonance techniques on a 7T small animal scanner to analyze the progression of the disease in vivo. Also, I worked to develop, test and run behavioral testing on the mice to identify cognitive deficits in a variety of central nervous system (CNS) pathways. During this time I also maintained a breeding and experimental colony of mice for all experiments. To identify cellular and molecular changes, I learned confocal microscopy, western blotting, PCR, histological and immunocytochemical techniques to evaluate CNS tissue. I collected and analyzed data using a number of software packages including, Metamorph, Graphpad Prism, OsiriX and ImageJ. Show less

Live-in position in University apartmentsHold 15 office hours per week (Deal with conflict resolution, lockouts, fire drills, and emergency response)Plan and obtain funding through grants for programs, and events for apartment complex.

Infect mammalian cell cultures with bacaluvirusCulture cells and isolate newly expressed protein Grow and maintain E. coli for cloning and transfectionsCreate unique plasmid with restriction enzymes, and PCR to express protein of interest in E. coliCalcium phosphate transfections of unique plasmid into e. coliGrow e. coli expressing unique plasmid and isolate plasmid for transfectionTrained to use Odyssey Machine (for measuring fluorescence, absorbance, and… Show more Infect mammalian cell cultures with bacaluvirusCulture cells and isolate newly expressed protein Grow and maintain E. coli for cloning and transfectionsCreate unique plasmid with restriction enzymes, and PCR to express protein of interest in E. coliCalcium phosphate transfections of unique plasmid into e. coliGrow e. coli expressing unique plasmid and isolate plasmid for transfectionTrained to use Odyssey Machine (for measuring fluorescence, absorbance, and transmittance)Use Odyssey machine to obtain fluorescence readings from GFP expressing cells, and to obtain DNA concentration Show less

Live-in position in University Residence HallResponsible for 40 residents safety and well beingTrained in conflict resolution, and to enforce rules and regulations in residence hallsPlan and obtain funding through grants and other contributions for programs in the residence hallResearch