Lead clinical research team on epilepsy, sleep disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases

Neuroimaging Lead at NIH R01HD096261(2021-Present) • Supervise, design, and run large-scale clinical/research trials across sites • Manage data acquisition, storage, and processing• Collaborate and contribute to research on structural, functional, diffusion, and resting state Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). MRI Lead at Oak Foundation (2021-Present)• Supervise, train, and manage a team of research assistants for MRI• Coordinate, and schedule participants for the clinical/research trial with families, Brain Imaging Research Center • Lead data acquisition (structural, functional, and resting), quality control, preprocessing, and data analysis• Oversee data transfer to Neuroinformatics Database (NIDB) and RedCap Production System EEG Lead at Oak Foundation (2021-Present) • Set up EEG stations with equipment (caps, electrodes, ground electrode, battery, amplifier), computers, and software • Supervise and train research assistants for EEG Cap administration, gelling, data acquisition, EEG equipment handling, and cleaning • Lead and run Event Related Potential (ERP) experiments with a team of 5 research assistants • Conduct EEG experiment fidelity checks • Troubleshoot for software and hardware problems during the experiments (faulty/broken electrode replacement, ground electrode malfunction, data recording, and experiment protocol inconsistencies)• Design and implement testing protocols, training, and frequent EEG data collection 4 times over 5 weeks during the intervention in Summer and in Fall (total 150 EEG scans) and analyze data

Foundations of Reading Assessments (EDRD 716)Teaching graduate students, the foundations of reading assessments, specifically miscue analysis and the reading brain, while working with children.

Designing and developing a literacy lab investigating how children acquire literacy and to innovate instructional interventions. Delivered lectures, developed promotional materials like flyers for recruiting participants, collected and organized data, conducted literature reviews and presented and co-wrote research articles for journals. Created an online portfolio for the literacy lab and collaborated with the teachers to facilitate the regular activities of the lab.

PhD Dissertation: Exploring Neurocognitive Processes that Underlie Reading Performance in Children: A Foundational StudyAdministered standardized assessments (Woodcock Johnson-III).Collected resting-state quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) data in the lab with Brain Master Discovery Software.Preprocessed the data with Neuroguide Software.Performed data reduction and transformation with MATLAB.Conducted Principal Components Analysis (PCA) with IBM-SPSS to extract coherence networks associated with Brodmann Area 44 and 45.Conducted Pearson’s correlations among reading subtest scores and extracted coherence networks to determine the reading components.Performed linear regression to assess the utility of the reading components in predicting children’s reading score across standardized assessments.Assisted in compiling literature review for phonology-based learning and neuroscience research for C.A.R.E (Carolina Automated Reading Evaluation) Evaluated test items and provided feedback on specific assessments and word-items for C.A.R.E Underwent training and conducted Electroencephalography (EEG) under the supervision of my co-adviser. Administered reading assessments and developed proficiency in Neuroguide Software.

State-wide project supporting content-area and disciplinary literacy in South Carolina middle and high schools. Analyzed the survey instrument for validity and reliability.Implemented Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for instrument development and construct validity. Performed profile analysis for disciplinary literacy for the eight different profiles on the survey.Conducted ANOVA and Independent Sample T-Tests for Teacher Dispositions and Demographics section of the survey.

Drafted the call for manuscripts for the journal. Shortlisted reviewers and ensured the process of reviewing was efficient. Communicated with the authors to provide the reviewer feedback and summarized the reviews for the editors. Conceptualized, organized, and implemented the curriculum studies summer research symposium (2019), and virtual doctoral research symposium (2020) for the EdD doctoral student’s dissertation defense.

Designed and implemented 3D Forums on university campus for diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice awareness. Partnered with school districts and international student services for hosting immigrant students in an ESL Program on campus. Presented research on diverse and marginalized communities, and community building at national and international conferences. Designed and conducted Speed Networking for interdepartmental research and collaboration among faculty and graduate students.Assisted in formulating University of South Carolina’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) philosophy for the College of Education.Organized, Education week, leadership week, lunch and learn panels, and diversity dinners for the College of Education. Mentored and coached African American and international students and student ambassadors at the College of Education.

Issues and Trends in Education (EDTE 201)Designed critical inquiry methodology and electronic research media to understand teaching and learning practices within the classroom context. Taught technology, theory, student learning, and instructional practices in relation to issues such race, culture, mental health, cognitive sciences, and schools. Course evaluation (out of 5): 4.86 (average)

Assisted in literature review on Early Childhood Education.Collaborated with researchers within the research and measurement team to provide quality childcare and technical assistance to families.