I am currently an undergraduate researcher under Dr. Bruce Riley at Texas A&M University in the Department of Biology. I perform genetic experiments to understand the developmental pathways of the zebrafish inner ear. I collaborate with other undergraduate and graduate student researchers to build a comprehensive model of the genes within the Fgf developmental pathway, which is responsible for the formation and neurogenesis of the early inner ear. I am specifically focused on the ETS transcription factors in this pathway, and am working to understand how these genes are regulated by repressors and activators in the Fgf pathway. I work closely with a graduate student to learn laboratory methods such as laboratory animal care, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, in-situ hybridizations, spectrophotometry, microscopy, and the use of equipment such as micropipettes and centrifuges. During the past semester, I wrote an abstract and gave a presentation about my research.

During the summer of 2024, I worked as a summer undergraduate reserach intern at Houston Methodist in Dr. Phillip Horner's lab in the Center for Neuroregeneration. The Horner lab studies spinal cord injury (SCI), and electrical stimulation is emerging as a promising SCI treatment. Previous data has shown that stimulation may promote motor function improvement following SCI, but the molecular mechanism for this improvement is still not understood. The appeal for exploring what this mechanism may be is that by understanding the mechanism, the beneficial effect may be amplified through future research efforts, which could improve treatments and outcomes for SCI patients. My project explored a hypothesized mechanism: the promotion of an anti-inflammatory phenotype in immune cells. I investigated the effects of stimulation on inflammatory gene expression in isolated microglia, immune cells of the central nervous system which play an inflammatory role that has both beneficial and harmful effects following SCI. I conducted experiments to compare expression of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory genes in electrically stimulated vs. non-stimulated primary microglia grown in cell culture then stimulated in specially designed silicone wells. Through my project, I gained experience with cell culture, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemical staining. I wrote an abstract for my project and presented at Horner lab meeting, the Department of Neurosurgery intern presentation session, and the internship-wide final poster session.

As a math instructor, I tutored students from elementary to high school age. I assisted both students who were struggling and wanted to get ahead in math. I tutored both in center and online. I collaborated with the team of other instructors and management to best meet the needs of each student. I helped maintain the cleanliness and organization of the center and assisted with administrative tasks. I strengthened the skills of communication, collaboration, time management, and patience.