Conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Remi Veneziano in the Department of Bioengineering through the Volgenau School of Engineering, including designing and performing experiments, literature reviews, and data analysis, among other duties.

The Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions (CASBBI) brings together scientists, engineers, health care professionals, and community stakeholders to research and create translational innovations aimed at challenges related to disability. Its National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored Research Traineeship (NRT) Program is designed to provide community-engaged interdisciplinary training in disability-related research and to prepare trainees for versatile, next-generation STEM careers.

Fall 2022: NEUR 327 - Cellular, Neurophysiological, and Pharmacological NeuroscienceBasic concepts of cellular and molecular level neuroscience, including neuronal functions, cellular anatomy and membrane functions, electrical properties of neurons, and cellular basis of plasticity.

iCONNECT Apps is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the parent company for the iCONNECT SUD mobile application. iCONNECT SUD connects individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) to community resources, improving human connections and increasing hope. The large-scale impact of iCONNECT SUD is that it unlocks the value of existing local supports by efficiently (i) connecting help to individuals on their recovery journey, (ii) coordinating the ecosystem of community resources, and (iii) highlighting the closest available resources in real time. iCONNECT saves resources, saves time, and saves lives.

This role performs research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff, exercises technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies, and performs limited analysis and interpretation of results. Additionally, it involves:1. Planning, conducting, and completing investigations under supervision.2. Assisting with the writing and editing of experimental results for publication in technical and peer-reviewed journals.3. Performing routine data analysis and verifying and correcting data entry.4. Maintaining records and documentation regarding assigned research.5. Documenting current or new procedures or protocols for sample selection, data collection, data processing, and/or statistical estimation.

•Facilitated the flow of vital programmatic information among program members, scientific directors, and the corporate partners through intermittent meetings and regular communications.•Coordinated the decision-making process between all program participants, from local team members like research assistants and principal investigators to distal collaborators and various stakeholders.•Assisted with the development and formulation of fiscal year budget requests, including assessments of committed funds and financial projections.•Prepared requests for grant proposals and contract actions like subawards, subcontracts, and personnel moves along the screening, interviewing, and hiring process.

•Facilitated the flow of vital programmatic information among program members, scientific directors, and the corporate partners through intermittent meetings and regular communications.•Coordinated the decision-making process between all program participants, from local team members like research assistants and principal investigators to distal collaborators and various stakeholders.•Assisted with the development and formulation of fiscal year budget requests, including assessments of committed funds and financial projections.•Prepared requests for grant proposals and contract actions like subawards, subcontracts, and personnel moves along the screening, interviewing, and hiring process.

•Manage the comprehensive pain portfolio for The Center for Rehabilitation Sciences Research (CRSR) at the Uniformed Services University for the Health Sciences (USUHS) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). •Support the creation, improvement, and maintenance of tracking and organizational files, standards-of-practice documents, and other logistical tasks that advance the growth of the CRSR.•Maintain the CRSR website, draft reporting documents, and plan Center-sponsored events, conferences, and meetings.•Oversee the training of lower-level employees and serve as a resource and mentor for these employees, as well as provide the Program Manager with feedback about the employees’ job performance.

Department: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)Chairperson: COL (Ret.) Paul F. Pasquina, MDResponsible directly to the Chairperson for duties relative to patient care, investigation and research, and educational programs under the Department.

The Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions (CASBBI) National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored Research Traineeship (NRT) Program is designed to provide community-engaged interdisciplinary training in disability-related research and to prepare trainees for versatile, next-generation STEM careers. Trainees will develop core competencies in: 1) Data Science for Analyzing and Interpreting Heterogeneous Multimodal Data2) Wearables and Internet-of-Things for Sensing Interactions between Individuals and their Environment3) Multiscale Imaging to Understand Brain-Body Interactions. And gain expertise in two of three application areas: 1) Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience2) Human Movement and Function3) Neuroengineering. Trainees who have participated in the CASBBI NRT program will be able to demonstrate the following Convergence Learning skills when faced with a complex societal problem:i. Knowledge integration: Applies knowledge based on a disciplinary foundation and integrates knowledge from different disciplines; can define a problem using multiple perspectives based on disciplinary knowledge, lived experience and community knowledge.ii. Procedural learning: Knows how, when, and why to apply different methodological approaches to problems and questions.iii. Transfer of learning: Independently adapts and applies skills, abilities, theories, or methodologies gained in one situation to new situations to explore complex issues in original ways.iv. Communication: Demonstrates teamwork, critical and reflective thinking, and intercultural knowledge and competence to communicate effectively with community stakeholdersv. Team science attitude: Values the diversity of the multiple disciplines, perspectives, and experiences that support convergence and team science.

Spring 2021: NEUR 335 - Molecular, Developmental and Systems NeuroscienceIn-depth survey of genetic and embryological development of the brain and introduction to systems neuroscience, including sections on patterning gene expression, generation and migration of neurons, axonal and dendritic outgrowth, and basic neuroanatomy.Fall 2020: NEUR 327 - Cellular, Neurophysiological, and Pharmacological NeuroscienceBasic concepts of cellular and molecular level neuroscience, including neuronal functions, cellular anatomy and membrane functions, electrical properties of neurons, and cellular basis of plasticity.

•Created a predictive computational model for transcription activation in different cancer cell lines.•Assisted colleagues with the translation of biologically relevant factors to representative MATLAB code.•Conducted literature searches to identify relevant results and incorporate them into the coding scheme.•Updated the research group at periodic meetings to facilitate discussion and advance progress.

•Developed preclinical immunotherapy models for castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer in the bone microenvironment using combination immune checkpoint blockade, including targeted antibodies•Handled general care of transgenic mice from genotyping and breeding to surgery and treatment.•Designed and performed immunological experiments using a variety of techniques such as CyTOF, FACS, T-Cell Activation Assay, Immunofluorescence, MRI in vivo animal imaging, and mononuclear cell isolation from patient bone marrow aspirate.•Analyzed data and prepare presentations for the research group at weekly laboratory meetings.

•Cataloged the chemical inventory from the petrochemical research and testing laboratories at the ExxonMobil Baytown Refinery. •Created material entries and organize stock data in the Accelrys BIOVIA CISPro software.•Supported facility personnel in establishing a systemic paradigm for chemical use and storage. •Uploaded Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for corresponding chemical product and further optimize utilization of the virtual inventory platform.

•Supported Animal Research Facility (ARF) faculty and students with various research projects from opiate tolerance and PTSD to 5H2A receptors and anxiety.•Provided assistance with different aspects of experimental execution such as animal acclimation and handling, surgical support, and equipment construction and management.•Helped with general laboratory maintenance like facility cleaning, inspection preparation, and overall organization.

General Chemistry I, Quantitative Chemical Analysis, General Biology II, Anatomy & Physiology•Prepared appropriate laboratory supplies for weekly class experiments under guidance of laboratory manager. •Collaborated with course instructor on experiment objectives in order to ensure optimal execution of laboratory protocols. •Assisted undergraduate students with experiment protocol from instruction clarification to pertinent technique, as well as grading concept quizzes and laboratory reports. •Maintained organizational scheme and general order in laboratory, including various reagents and equipment inventory.

•Collected various samples like farm flies, bird droppings, and surface soil for different environmental survey studies.•Performed basic biotechnology procedures necessary to analyze the field samples, such as GE, PCR, and culture plating. •Collaborated with colleagues on the biopharmaceutical research projects from Clostridium difficile prevalence to Candida albicans toxicity. •Processed the results for further analysis and organize the data for the researchers to submit journal publications and give conference presentations.

•Plan all necessary travel arrangements in order to provide long-term clinic coverage on a national level.•Assess situation for potential systematic flaws such as work flow redundancies, convolutions, and deficiencies. •Establish rapport with office personnel, from staff to providers, to develop trust and foster professional relationships. •Enhance current model to improve business efficiency in various facets, from patient care to overall productivity.

•Conducted percutaneous allergy testing in order to determine specific sensitivities relative to regional environment.•Determined and discussed test results with patients, including allergen blooming schedules and avoidance recommendations.•Formulated and mixed individualized immunotherapy medication, as well as instructed patients on self-administration of treatment to include proper injection technique and necessary safety precautions.•Managed clinical services and inventory, such as insurance verification, billing documents, and antigen extracts.

•Evaluate the current fitness level of various clientele through basic functional assessments and initial consultations concerning health goals and lifestyle factors.•Design a custom training regimen for clients based upon health evaluation and fitness ambitions.•Promote general wellness by interacting with patrons and encouraging regular activity and healthy diet.Certifications:National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT)American Red Cross Adult CPR/AEDTRX Suspension Training

•Petitioned signatures from registered Manassas City voters in order to qualify a special election referendum regarding the local electoral system.•Promoted the organization at local events, such as farmers markets and heritage festivals, which resulted in greater awareness and support for the bipartisan movement.

•Assessed the fitness level of both student and college faculty/staff clientele via standardized procedures, and advised them on diet and activity adjustments accordingly. •Trained clients with an exercise program tailored to their physical condition and fitness aspirations. •Advocated health and fitness in the local community with promotional events and activities such as New Student Orientation and Free Week Kick-Off.

•Organized patient files and consolidated various office paperwork, resulting in a more efficient business model.•Delivered incoming messages to appropriate medical staff and resolved organizational issues regarding medical information in order to improve intra-office and patient communication. •Expedited office functions by preserving organizational order.