As a research assistant at NCSU, I was tasked with developing mathematical models and generating fluorescent cell lines for the study of signal transduction in directed cell motility. Along the way, I mastered several relevant synthetic biology techniques. In order to create fluorescent cell lines, DNA plasmids were generated encoding fluorescently tagged biosensors or proteins. These were generated using PCR and Gibson Assembly and assessed via next generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing, gel electrophoresis, and colony PCR. Cells were transiently transfected by means of lipophilic transfection or stably transduced by retroviral or lentiviral transduction. Additionally, I mastered techniques in fluorescent microscopy such as Epi fluorescence and TIRF. Through all of this work, I have extensive knowledge of genetic manipulation of mammalian cell lines.I was also involved in the generation of image analysis platforms and PDE mathematical models of cell migration. Through this work, I gained a familiarity with Python and MATLAB coding techniques. I am well versed in statistical data analysis and mathematical modeling techniquesIn addition to scientific study, I was tasked as the safety officer for the lab. As part of this role, I organized and updated standard operating procedures and protocols to ensure an optimally functioning lab. As part of the safety officer role, I collaborated on transitioning the lab documentation to a computerized system to be more ALCOA compliant for ease of transition for the future of the lab. Lastly, I initiated and completed a plan to improve laser systems and custom-built biological incubation for our microscope. As part of this process, I collaborated with 2 colleagues to design experiments to show a need for scope incubation to maintain cell health long term. Upon convincing our PI, I implemented a custom-built incubator for our prism based TIRF scope using off the shelf temperature/humidity and CO2 controllers.

During this first research experience, I learned cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, cell fixation and labeling, live cell microscopy, polymer engineering, and data analysis. I was tasked in this experience with imaging live and fixed cells on ECM fibers on varying underlying stiffnesses. The stiffness was modulated through polymer engineering of hydrogels and PDMS. Cells were then either fixed and stained for revealing actin structures or placed in chambers for live cell imaging. I developed an analysis pipeline of cell migration and orientation for generating insights into cell alignment and motility. Additionally, the internship also involved seminars to learn how to translate research technology into patentable products.

I engage groups of students in learning difficult Calculus concepts through worksheets, practice tests, and practice problems. I help the students learn good study habits and strategies to taking difficult tests. I tutored Calculus II and Calculus III in my first semester as a tutor and expanded my portfolio to Organic Chemistry II (Chem 332) during the spring semester of my sophomore year.

Research Role with split time between a research lab run by Josef Lazard and Howard Jacobs and Computation Fluid Dynamics Research Corporation (CFDRC). Utilized microfluidics to build a kidney model using primary and immortalized cell lines.