As a graduate student researcher in the Ballatore lab at UC San Diego's Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, I focused on designing and synthesizing small molecules for research and potential therapeutics. My work included conducting structure-activity relationship (SAR) and hit-to-lead (HTL) optimization studies on small-molecule derivatives to enhance the susceptibility of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cancer stem cells (CSCs) to traditional chemotherapies… Show more As a graduate student researcher in the Ballatore lab at UC San Diego's Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, I focused on designing and synthesizing small molecules for research and potential therapeutics. My work included conducting structure-activity relationship (SAR) and hit-to-lead (HTL) optimization studies on small-molecule derivatives to enhance the susceptibility of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cancer stem cells (CSCs) to traditional chemotherapies. Additionally, I synthesized a novel mutual prodrug at a 4.0-gram scale, which was evaluated both in vitro and in a mouse model of fibrosing steatohepatitis. This research formed the basis of my M.S. in Organic Chemistry.I served as a Teaching Assistant at UC San Diego for Organic Chemistry courses, including the Organic Chemistry series for Chemistry majors, Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences (II), and Organic Laboratory Techniques. Over multiple quarters from Fall 2022 to Summer 2024, I provided instructional support, facilitated lab sessions, and guided students in mastering complex organic chemistry concepts. This experience sharpened my teaching skills and deepened my expertise in organic chemistry. Show less

Sample preparation for GC and TOC AnalysesUse multiple GCs with FIDs for qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds.GCMS for identification of compoundsTGA Method development to improve AFDW assay.TOC analysis of samplesCompiling data and publishing results back to sample submittersKeeping track and utilizing LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)GC troubleshooting (changing or trimming columns, liners, septa)TOC troubleshooting (replacing… Show more Sample preparation for GC and TOC AnalysesUse multiple GCs with FIDs for qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds.GCMS for identification of compoundsTGA Method development to improve AFDW assay.TOC analysis of samplesCompiling data and publishing results back to sample submittersKeeping track and utilizing LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)GC troubleshooting (changing or trimming columns, liners, septa)TOC troubleshooting (replacing combustion tubes, hoses, various parts)Maintaining maintenance logs for lab instrumentation.General laboratory assistance including cleaning and maintaining workspaces. Show less