- Grant Submission: Successfully submitted my first research grant to secure funding for studies on the immunological aspects of sickle cell disease.- Animal Model Research: Gained proficiency in working with mice as a model to study microbiome and immune cell interactions.- Animal Study Design and Execution: Designed and completed part 1 of my first animal study, providing valuable insights into the immunological phenotypes of sickle cell disease.- Networking and Collaboration: Established a network of sickle cell experts and initiated collaborations to further research and advance knowledge of sickle cell disease from an immunological perspective.

Sickle Cell Advocacy, Wellness, Research, and Education (SiCAWRE) is dedicated to making a positive impact on the sickle cell community by focusing on advocacy, health improvement, research, and education. By centering our efforts around evidence-based research and involving the sickle cell community, we ensure that our initiatives are relevant and effective.SiCAWRE seeks to:1. Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with sickle cell disease and trait and push for policies that support access to quality healthcare, research funding, and improved resources for the sickle cell community.2. Promote overall well-being among individuals with sickle cell disease and those who care for them. Encourage physical activity, proper nutrition, and stress management techniques to improve the quality of life for those affected by sickle cell.3. Collaborate with researchers, healthcare professionals, and organizations involved in sickle cell research to support evidence-based studies and encourage participation in clinical trials. Stay up-to-date with the latest scientific advancements and disseminate relevant information to the community.4. Develop educational materials and programs to increase awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease and trait. Provide resources to healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and competency in managing sickle cell patients.5. Collaborate with other organizations, both within the sickle cell community and in related fields, to amplify efforts and share resources.

Cancer Research Training Awardee (CRTA) and NCI Intramural Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (iCURE) scholar in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics Laboratory of Translational Genomics. Utilize datasets, cell and molecular biology techniques, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to elucidate the associations between GWAS-identified genetic susceptibility variants and molecular phenotypes of importance for cancer.- Investigating the association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and interferon lambda 4 genotypes

Youth MOVE National is a youth driven,chapter-based organization dedicated to improving services and systems that support positive growth and development by uniting the voices of individuals who have lived experience in various systems including mental health, juvenile justice, education, and child welfare.My responsibilities include:- Conduct interviews as lead interviewer with representatives participating in the SAMHSA System of Care Expansion Grant - Take notes as co-lead interviewer with representatives participating in the SAMHSA System of Care Expansion Grant - Utilize Webex to set up and conduct interviews with representatives participating in the SAMHSA System of Care Expansion Grant

Intramural Research Training awardee and NIH Academy Enrichment Program scholar in the Center for Cancer Research Laboratory of Human Carcinogenics. Utilize case-control studies and molecular biology techniques to study biological and genetic factors associated with tumor biology and cancer health disparities. Research focused on African American and European American men and women with prostate and breast cancer respectively.Laboratory skills include:- Cell culture- Western blot- SiRNA transfection- Immunohistochemistry - Luciferase Promoter Assay- Bradford Protein Quantification- Protein estimation using Nanodrop - Protein/RNA/DNA extraction using RIPA, Trizol, and Qiagen extraction kits - Cell proliferation assays using xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analysis, BrdU Assay, and CellTiter-BlueExperience working with the following cell lines:MDA-MB231Hs578SUM159PC3

UAID is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating health disparities on a local and national level. The mission of UAID is to “empower students and communities to reduce health inequities locally through research, policy, and entrepreneurial initiatives. This is done via chapters with assistance from the national board which is divided into three teams: management, community project, and the chapters team. My responsibilities as an intern included: - Conduct biweekly meetings with various chapters to help guide chapter president's with managing their on campus student organization - Attend weekly team meetings with the Chapter's team to discuss chapter progress and come up with ways to better assist each chapter - Research grants UAID could apply for- Research candidates to build UAID's board of advisors- Conduct phone interviews with potential board members- Attend weekly meetings with the Management team to discuss progress with searching for grants and building the organizations board of advisors. We also discuss ways to better support the community project and chapter teams- Make weekly post to UAID's Facebook and Twitter pages - Grow UAID's LinkedIn connections - Report on social media metrics during weekly management team meetings- Attend biweekly board calls with members from the management, community project and chapter's team

The Smithsonian Science Education Center is the only unit at the Smithsonian Institution that is solely dedicated to formal preK-12 science education reform. SSEC transforms the teaching and learning of K-12 science throughout the nation and world via curriculum development and professional services. Smithsonian Science for Global Goals (SSfGG) is a freely available curriculum developed by SSEC in partnership with the InterAcademy Partnership. It uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to focus on sustainable actions that are student-defined and implemented.Responsibilities and achievements included:- Successfully completed module one of Smithsonian Science for Global Goals (SSfGG) online curriculum, Mosquito!, developed with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a foundation. - Created outline to begin developing module two of SSfGG, Nutrition!, to include collaborators, classroom activities, online resources & activities, questionnaires, videos, and citizen science tools. - Applied public health disciplines - social & behavioral sciences, environmental health science, health policy & management, and epidemiology - in discussing the interconnection of science and public health to science educators. museum staff, and curriculum developers.- Used plain language to articulate complex socio-scientific concepts to elementary through high school students - Developed understanding of SDGs to support build out of SSfGG curriculum- Organized and uploaded PDF files onto Smithsonian Learning Lab for dissemination of SSfGG module #1 - Mosquitoes! How do we ensure health for all from mosquito-borne diseases?: Community Research GuideSmithsonian Science for Global Goals was awarded the 2018 Smithsonian Education Award for Achievement and Innovation, which recognize creativity and excellence in educational programming, exhibitions, publications and digital media.

This was a dual internship with J. Craig Venter Institute to enhance science curriculum previously developed at the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), which aligns with the U.N.’s Sustainability Development Goals. Collaboration took place with curriculum developers and experts in the field of global science education to support the development and roll-out of the SSEC’s curriculum module “Zika!,” which will help students understand mosquito-borne diseases through inquiry-based science education methods. The SSEC transforms the teaching and learning of K-12 science throughout the nation and world. It is the only unit at the Smithsonian Institution that is solely dedicated to formal preK-12 science education reform.Responsibilities include:- Collaborated with J. Craig Venter Institute to advance understanding of global science education as it relates to United Nations Sustainability Development Goals - Assisted with development of educational programming focusing on mosquito-borne diseases using research conducted at JCVI- Researched innovative resources to enhance “Zika!” curriculum module- Cultivated knowledge of educational program development building strong communication skills and best practices in partnerships and collaborations

This was a joint internship with the Smithsonian Science Education Center involving research geared towards the development of rapid tests for virus genes that suppress host antiviral defenses. Research designed to focus on mosquito-borne Zika Virus Disease, via synthetic biology techniques to help scientists identify virulent strains will support the development and rollout of the SSEC’s curriculum module “Zika!,” which will hel students understand mosquito-borne diseases through inquiry-based science education methods.Responsibilities included:- Acquired knowledge and laboratory skills related to strategies against pathogenic bacteria and mosquito-borne diseases- Developed advance diagnostic techniques to identify characteristics of Zika and other mosquito-borne virus- Conducted interviews with subject matter experts to gain better understanding of scientific research- Supported Smithsonian Science Education Center in applying scientific knowledge to further understand and contribute to international curricula that aligns with United Nations Sustainability Development Goals

The mission of Weststat is improving lives through research. This is accomplished via high-quality nonpartisan studies on issues that allow their clients to meet their program goals.Projects worked on:- 10% Mental Health Block Grant - Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) report to congress - Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): ---- Academy Portal ---- National Integration Academy Council (NIAC) Conference Responsibilities included:- Assisted in drafting and editing ISMICC report to Congress per section 6031 of 21st Century Cures Act - Prepared data across multiple platforms for clarity and ease of access - Ensured functionality of Academy website to remain 508 compliant - Prepared documents for National Integration Academy Council Conference

GSS Leaders are students who have successfully completed courses who have been selected to lead their peers to do likewise. As a GSS Leader I prepared activities to aid student learning and understanding for Public Health Biology (PHSC415) and Epidemiology for Public Health Practice (EPIB301). I directed study sessions by encouraging student collaboration to work through problem sets and study guides. Each study session was designed to foster confidence in student's abilities to successfully complete both courses.

As an independent consultant, I work closely with the health program specialist to organize events and activities geared towards enhancing, empowering, and enriching the lives of minorities living in Frederick County Maryland. Recently completed events relating to tobacco education - including products containing tobacco, risk factors associated with tobacco use, and youth tobacco access. Also created an asthma education presentation with an emphasis on identifying and understanding triggers, managing attacks, and encouraging children and parents to create an asthma action plan.AACF works closely with state, county, and community partners to ensure their clients are able to access the myriad of resources located throughout the county. Their mission is to enhance community services through improving access, referral and information. . . Empower local communities through education and training. . . And enrich Frederick’s cultural richness through multi-ethnic events and diverse programs.

This program is designed to create a team of students from multiple disciplines and academic institutions to serve in an IPE (Interprofessional Education) 6-week summer program within the multi-faceted Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Students work together on real world projects that focus on a given need of DHHS. The DHHS Interprofessional Scholars Program allow students to understand the four core competencies of interprofessional collaborative practice: teamwork/team-based practice, communication practices, values/ethics, and roles and responsibilities.

Identity assists youths and their families living in high-poverty areas of Montgomery County who are most at-risk for poor academic and economic life outcomes. This is accomplished by empowering Latino youth to reach their highest potential and work towards a successful transition into adulthood. Identity envisions a just and equitable society that nurtures all youth and is enriched by their contributions.My responsibilities included:- Preparing STEM related activities to middle school students- Taught middle school students basic math and science skills through hands on activities- Engaged students in critical thinking by allowing them to work through the scientific method- Encourage team work through team building activities

- Assisted professor and students in Introduction to Chemistry by providing tools and resources which enhanced students understanding - Conducted partial lectures demonstrating examples on basic chemistry concepts - Lead study review sessions, providing students an opportunity to enhance their overall grade - Tutored students outside of class time with homework and class assignments

- Assisted costumers to locate items of interest and products that would help them grow and share their faith - Performed inventory, stocking, and cashier work - Established a system for organizing books and bibles which made searches easier