I perform research funded by an NSF grant that I contributed to. The main drive of my research is to investigate the role of LEA proteins in desiccation tolerance and find novel methods to preserve Drosophila melanogaster in a viable state for long term storage.• Managed, tested, and validated reagents, machines, and methods to assure the accuracy of results• Presented weekly reports that included corrective/preventative actions for results out of specifications• Created, condensed, and implemented commonly used lab protocols• Coordinated and assisted service personnel and vendors to repair/replace malfunctioning instruments• Managed laboratory supplies and documentation of controls• Developed novel methods to study desiccation tolerance in D. melanogaster• Cloned genes into 4 different expression vectors and created 2 additional expression vectors using a novel gene promoter - after transgenesis all vectors resulted in protein expression in D. melanogaster.• Created 3 sensors and 1 machine to streamline research processes• Designed and fabricated items required for research using a self-built CNC machine and 3D printer• Collaborated with researchers from diverse backgrounds

• Taught 2 introductory biology, 4 senior level animal physiology, and 4 non-major biology laboratories. • Responsible for preparing lectures and demonstrations and instructing students about how to perform laboratory experiments and report results appropriately. • Graded all student work and created weekly quizzes and midterm and final examinations. • Met with students outside of laboratory hours to answer any questions.• Interfaced with faculty in charge of laboratories to standardize teaching methods, resolve student issues, and troubleshoot experiments.• Perform extensive troubleshooting during and after the lab to ensure students obtained the best data possible. • Received very positive feedback from all courses taught. Several students noted that I was their best TA at LSU.**In the animal physiology and non-major biology laboratory courses I advised students in student-led experiments that were broad ranging including:• Effect of light wavelength on copepod movement• Effect of caffeine on frog heart contraction• Effect of antacids on the pH of simulated stomachs and the resultant change in trypsin activity• Effect of nicotine and tobacco on insect reproduction• Effect of dark chocolate and sodium on student blood pressure• Effect of ant population density on tunnel formation• Effect of glucose analogs on HepG2 proliferationAnd many more.

• Collaborated with engineers to design 2 novel methods for cell preservation• Negotiated with researchers for the usage of limited resources• Coordinated with security and human resources to gain clearance into restricted facilities

• Created 5 transgenic cell lines to be used in downstream experimentation• Established collaborations with 1 biotechnology and 2 academic entities• Trained 2 graduate and 6 undergraduate students• Authored 1 thesis, contributed to 1 publication, 2 grants, and presented at 3 conferences• Taught over 200 students in laboratory courses• Prepared laboratory reagents for cell and molecular biology and animal physiology and graded papers for an introductory biology course. • Diagnosed challenges with experiments as students were performing the experiments.• Assisted professors in all laboratory duties.