Assumed additional role of Lab Manager for the Tse Lab in September 2021 while continuing previous projects from my fellowship.New projects include identifying differences in beta-cell phenotype and function between non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and NOD mice lacking the ability to generate superoxide.

Developed a microparticle vaccination strategy for autoimmunity (e.g., type 1 diabetes) by delivering microcapsules containing molecular antioxidant and protein autoantigens to induce T cell tolerance. I also am investigating the role of oxidative post-translational modifications of autoantigens in type 1 diabetes. I applied for and was awarded a fellowship from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This role required excellent written and oral communication skills, for writing grants applications and manuscripts, regular conference presentations, and training new graduate students.Department of MicrobiologyPI: Hubert Tse, Ph.D.

Investigated the contribution of immature myeloid cells toward improved bone fracture healing by their contribution to angiogenesis. My other projects included developing gene therapy strategies for osteolytic malignancies and investigating the role of cell cycle in cancer "stem cell" phenotypes. I applied for and was awarded an NIH T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology. This role also required excellent written and oral communication skills, for writing grants applications and manuscripts, and regular conference presentations.Department of PathologyPI: Selvarangan Ponnazhagan, Ph.D.

Investigated the role of the cell adhesion molecule ICAM-2 as a putative metastasis suppressor in neuroblastoma. Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyPI: Karina Yoon, Ph.D.

• Investigated use of muscle-derived stem cells for lifespan improvement in DNA repair-defective and progeroid mouse models• Role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in dystrophic skeletal muscle regeneration• Identification and characterization of stem cells derived from human post-natal skeletal muscle.Stem Cell Research Center of UPMC, Dept of Orthopaedic SurgeryDirector: Johnny Huard, Ph.D., Mentor: Bridget Deasy, Ph.D.