- Developed a fluorescence-based assay for identifying and validating potential broad-spectrum antivirals

- Led an NIH-funded project that investigated novel protein-protein interactions between Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and cellular proteins. Identified novel protein interactions using the Global Protein Stability (GPS) system. Investigated how the viral protein ICP0 engages with the cellular proteins TRIM11 and MORF4L1 during viral infection and how TRIM11 and MORF4L1 impacts viral infection and replication.- Extensive use of mammalian cell culture (3+ years) and virus characterization. Molecular biology techniques, including western blots, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. Altered protein expression using shRNA lentiviral, CRISPR-Cas9, plasmid overexpression, and siRNA systems. Experienced in DNA isolation and purification.- Presented at 4 conferences, including the annual K-INBRE Symposiums (2021, 2022), KU Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium (2021), and the Great Plaines Infectious Disease Conference (2021).

- Studied how HSV-1 hijacks the ESCRT pathway to facilitate viral infection, persistence, and pathogenesis. Investigated the mechanism by which HSV-1 utilizes Hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (HRS) to assemble its envelope and secrete itself from the cell.- Performed mammalian cell culture, western blots, and EV analysis.- Presented an oral presentation at the K-INBRE Symposium 2020 and received an award for Outstanding Oral presentation.