Advanced Biomaterials for NeuroEngineering Laboratory (ABNEL) under Dr. Abigail Koppes• Dissect and isolate primary cultures from mouse, rat, and human tissues, cell types include vagal nerve, enteric neurons, intestinal epithelium, and intestinal smooth muscle• Develop primary co-culture models in a laser cut and assembled microphysiological system of the intestine, central nervous system, and smooth muscle• Transfect cell lines using lipofectamine, antibiotic selection, and cell sorting to enrich for genetically modified cells• Encapsulate and assess viability of primary neurons in 3D experimental extracellular matrix replacements: polyethylene glycol, methylated tropoelastin, and gelatin methacrylate• Design assays using calcium imaging, ELISAs, transepithelial electrical resistance, qPCR, fluorescent assays, multiplex ELISAs, gel electrophoresis, confocal and fluorescent microscopy• Compose dissertation materials, fellowship applications, first author manuscripts, and monthly lab meeting presentations

• Isolated and cultured primary murine intestinal epithelial cells, embryonic enteric neurons, bone marrow derived macrophages, T cells, and Peyer’s Patches• Developed co-cultures of immune cells and enteric neurons as well as transwell co-cultures of epithelium and immune/neuronal cells• Utilized flow cytometry to quantify the fate of macrophages into M0, M1, or M2• Ran Legendplex assays to compare cytokines present in co-culture and inflammation studies• Proposed an independent research project to build off of company platform and presented to the entire company on strategic planning day

Tucker Stem Cell Laboratory in the Iowa Institute for Vision Research & Worthington LaboratoryAdvisors: Dr. Budd Tucker and Dr. Kristan Worthington•Designed models in AutoCAD for two-photon 3D printed retina tissue scaffold prototypes•Optimized synthesis and printability of biodegradable polymers (polycaprolactone & chitosan)•Analyzed cells and microfabricated materials with scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and confocal microscopy•Created and validated gamma radiation sterilization protocol according to FDA and ISO •Composed and contributed to reports, manuscripts, poster presentations, and conference talks

•Processed incoming mail, sort and stuff in mailboxes•Assisted students with mail, check in/out, renting movies and games, questions about the campus, issues on their floor, key and prox card access•Monitored front door security and reported suspicious activity

Lutter Laboratory in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Psychiatry DeptUnder Dr. Michael Lutter •Maintained mouse colonies through breeding, weaning, and experimental studies•Sectioned, stained, and slide mounted mouse brain samples for microscopic analysis•Timed mouse tail suspension tests to measure immobility and depressive behavior•Determined genotypes for animal studies using PCR and gel electrophoresis •Assisted with optogenetic studies connecting/disconnecting cannulas and recording experiments

•Segmented and produced 3D renderings of MR images of mice pups, placentas and some organs •Analyzed data of volume and intensity readings on the MR images•Composed reports and graphical models comparing the intensity between nanoparticle exposed and unexposed pups•Researched methods to improve experimentation of nanoparticle injections and pup exposure to nanoparticles

Managed all incoming calls and greeted customers•Finalized customer invoice transactions•Implemented data entry for vehicles, customer and transaction information•Carried the responsibility of incoming money, office closing procedures and office organization