Manager of a state-of-the-art Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility dedicated to fostering greater molecular research at NC State University, the Research Triangle, and worldwide.

Transcriptomic analyst utilizing the Nanostring RNA Hybridization Platform for process monitoring of a pharmaceutical vaccine.

Research Focus: My current focus constitutes both Basic Science investigations into the underlying endocrine mechanisms leading to improved growth efficiency and osmotic balance in ectothermic/poikilothermic vertebrates, as well as Applied Science studies to achieve improvements in on-farm profitability and environmental impact mitigation for raising economically important finfish (e.g. the tilapia, Hybrid Striped Bass). This work has been extended to developing countries (e.g. Bangladesh, Phillipines) through the USAID (Aquafish Innovation Lab).Ongoing Projects: (1) Annotation of the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) genome assembly (2) Metagenomic analysis of Nile Tilapia gut microbiota under full and restricted-feeding (compensatory growth) protocols (USAID), (3) Functional analysis of multiple leptin paralogs in fishes, (4) Characterization of membrane-bound steroid receptor complex implicated in non-genomic glucocorticoid actions. Other Responsibilities: Grant proposal writing, mentoring of graduate and undergraduate research, compliance with federal, state, and institutional Safety and IACUC practices. Supervisors: Dr. Russell Borski, Dr. Benjamin Reading.

Completion of doctoral dissertation work along with other ongoing research projects. Work entails manipulation of salinity and dietary feeding in Mozambique tilapia and Hybrid Striped Bass to assess endocrine responses to stress and growth in teleost fishes.

Graduate Student Research Assistantship: Performed population genetic analysis (microsatelite and mtDNA) on multiple species of fish stocks as part of ongoing stock assessment and monitoring of threatened species or species of economic interest (e.g. Red Drum, Scianops ocellatus). Left position in good standing to begin doctoral work at NC State University. Supervisors: Dr. Robert Chapman, Dr. Michael Denson

Molecular cloning and fabrication of knockout mutants in Campylobacter jejuni for ongoing research into food-borne illness. Work contributed to co-authored publication. Left position in good standing to begin graduate school. Principal Investigator: Dr. Stuart Thompson.