• Studied the regulation of the DNA replication licensing factor MCM7 in response to metabolic perturbations in the Chaos3 mouse model of genomic instability. This project is helping us to better understand diseases related to genomic instability, including infertility and cancer.• Created DDX58-knockout mice by engineering with CRISPR-Cas9 for use in future studies of the relationship between genomic instability and cellular inflammation. Guide RNAs were designed, RNPs were electroporated into embryos at the single-cell stage, and the resulting pups were genotyped using Sanger sequencing and their mutations analyzed using TIDE.• Kickstarted an ongoing effort to determine the role of over 800 genome maintenance factors in murine and human placental development using a CRISPRi screening approach in trophoblast stem cells, the cells that give rise to the placenta.

• Designed a genetically-modified strain of E. coli to function as a targeted breast cancer therapeutic system. The E. coli worked by localizing to high-lactate tumor environments and exporting a cancer-fighting protein. • Designed and constructed a 100mL alginate bead bioreactor compatible with recombinant E. coli bacteria for the removal of toxins from lake water affected by Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)• Volunteered at the Ithaca 4-H Careers Exploration Event to teach fourth-grade students the basics of DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and bioethics

• Assisted in the development of engineered B cell therapies for applications in cancer, enzyme deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and more by performing CRISPR-Cas9 cutting and transgene integration assays• Analyzed CRISPR-Cas9 cutting efficiency at four different B cell-specific gene insertion sites using novel guide RNA sequences, and assayed for changes in cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells as a result of CRISPR cutting• Enabled rapid testing of protein production and excretion from primary human B cells by synthesizing mRNA coding for therapeutically-relevant genes and electroporating into cells. This method eliminated the need to wait for long lead times associated with the production of DNA constructs and AAV vectors in order to assess production of new therapeutic protein candidates.• Set up and created an optimized protocol for new ddPCR equipment to measure transgene insertion efficiency

• Partnered with four other interns to create and pitch VITAL, a health and fitness app that tackles the Good Health and Wellbeing UN Sustainable Development Goal. VITAL incentivizes users to exercise and take care of their mental health by rewarding them with coupons in exchange for completing weekly goals. VITAL received Third Place honors in the internship's Pitch Competition Finale.• Attended seminars and lectures taught by leading entrepreneurs and venture capitalists on topics such as creating a business model, identifying a target market, and preparing a pitch deck.

• Worked with a team of four to design the Visimask, a reusable face covering with a coating that reacts with saliva droplets to produce a color change; the user can then easily recognize contamination and wash or replace their mask• Engaged in weekly biomedical engineering seminars on topics such as prosthetics and brain-machine interfaces