The Microcirculation and Vascular Regeneration laboratory, led by Dr. Trevor Cardinal, investigates how myoblast transplantation promotes the growth of collateral blood vessels in animal models of peripheral artery disease, with the overarching goal to develop therapeutic strategies that mitigate the debilitating effects of vascular disease and prevent severe outcomes such as amputation.As a member of the cell team, it is my responsibility to improve our existing myoblast culture protocol by refining media conditions that work to promote myoblast proliferation and inhibit differentiation. This way, we can generate a higher yield of primary muscle progenitor cells for future transplantation studies. To assess the efficacy of various exogenous factors on myoblasts in media, I will use qPCR to measure the expression of muscle maturation transcription factors.Technical skills I have developed in this lab include:- Primary muscle progenitor (myoblast) cell culture- Aseptic (sterile) technique- RNA extraction - RNA Qubit quantification- Cell counting using a hemocytometer- Dissection (myofiber isolation)- Fluorescence and phase contrast microscopy

Cal Poly offers a two-quarter (20-week) long laboratory course in Cellular Immunotherapy (BMED-471 & BMED 542) focused specifically on the science and manufacturing of CAR-T cells, as well as providing students with ample hands-on experience in these areas. Technical skills I developed in this lab include:- Human T-cell and Jurkat cell culture- Aseptic (sterile) technique- Cryopreservation- CytoFLEX flow cytometry- Cell separation (Rotea counterflow centrifugation and Miltenyi magnetic column systems)- Cell counting using NucleoCounter NC-202 and hemocytometer- Phase contrast microscopy- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

I worked towards modulating the activity of antisense oligonucleotides in the central nervous system by administering sense oligonucleotides via intracerebroventricular injection (ICV). Following injection, I collected cortex and spinal cord tissue, extracted RNA, and conducted RT-qPCR and western blotting to analyze mRNA and protein levels, respectively.

Over the summer, I bussed at the lovely Queenstown Public House in Little Italy. I cleared and cleaned tables during high-volume brunch shifts to prepare a neat and inviting dining experience to guests; I also assisted the waitstaff by delivering meals to tables in a timely manner, contributing to customer satisfaction by decreasing wait times. Most importantly, I demonstrated excellent communication with the customers to guarantee that their needs were met and any questions were answered with professionalism.

I have worked at Bastet Veterinary Hospital during summer and winter breaks from school. Here, I have supported veterinarians and technicians in various procedures, including surgery, radiography, anesthesia induction, and intravenous catheter placement. I have frequently interpreted microscopy results to identify parasites and bacteria in ear cytologies; I have executed and analyzed the results of immunoassays to diagnose canine parvovirus and distemper; I am comfortable administering subcutaneous and intravenous injections.

I led a team of three biomedical engineering students at Cal Poly to successfully design a protective medical device ("exoskeleton") for a husky, Princess, with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal collagen fibers and consequent skin tearing. The goal of this project was to prevent skin tearing by designing a suit that would prevent sharp objects from coming into contact with Princess, such as outdoor brush. Specific designs and materials were chosen to reduce friction and ensure full mobility, all while maintaining a lightweight and breathable suit. As a team, we were able to accomplish this within our budget and time constraints, and I oversaw the manufacturing process.

During this mentorship with Dr. David Boyle, I assessed qPCR and ELISA data from UCSD’s rheumatoid arthritis laboratory to determine the changes in immune cell recruitment and signaling cascades (JAK-STAT) and how these differences affect synovial tissue inflammation in both experimental (tofacitinib) and control (methotrexate) subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. I also presented weekly journal club PowerPoints discussing enzyme inhibitors as a means for treating rheumatoid arthritis.