• Investigated the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the widespread prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.• Recruited 200 participants with and without RA who are registered tribal members while demonstrating cultural sensitivity to an underserved community.• Collaborated with medical professionals from the Black Hills Center for American Indian Health and Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Inc., investigators from Stanford University School of Medicine, and political figures from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.• Organized IRB records for approval by Stanford University and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.• Followed HIPAA standards to manage protected health information (PHI) when collecting blood samples and surveying participants on their disease prognosis, medication use, family history, exposure to cigarette smoke, and primary source of drinking water.• Extracted DNA, RNA, and protein from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for allele specific expression analysis in compliance with bloodborne pathogens training.• Developed Python codes to organize large quantities of cDNA and RNA sequencing data for all 200 patients.

• Assisted in the design of genetically modified alfalfa plants with enhanced carbon and nitrogen metabolism using genetic techniques to introduce transgenes into the host genome.• Executed research aims from the mentorship of PI, Dr. Champa Sengupta-Gopalan.• Trained new undergraduate research assistants to practice proper laboratory safety procedures, maintain laboratory equipment, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• One of 25 participants selected from a nationwide pool of 1500 applicants.• Constructed a library of mutant E. coli to study the mechanics of bacterial cell cycle progression under the mentorship of PI, Dr. Lucy Shapiro.• Meticulous level of imaging analysis resulted in the identification of >150 mutants in E. coli strains, which provided the lab with information on how 3 key proteins interact to facilitate bacterial cell division.• Learned time management, analytical and problem solving skills, and record keeping skills.