• Conducted research on bacterial interactions, focusing on the toxin effect and its transport via the Type 6 Secretion System.• Optimized Illumina library preparation workflows, improving efficiency and data quality for high-throughput sequencing.• Characterized a protein of unknown function, successfully identifying it as a toxin active against E. coli through genetic manipulation and competition assays. • Introduced Western blotting to this newly established lab, creating and implementing comprehensive protocols for this and various other laboratory experiments.• Authored comprehensive safety guidelines for the lab manual to ensure adherence to best practices and maintain a safe laboratory environment.• Organized the development of lab duties to ensure all team members contributed to maintaining a clean and orderly laboratory environment.

• Operated, repaired, and scripted fluid automation robots to enhance laboratory efficiency.• Developed and optimized scripts to streamline processes for sample preparation, live-cell viral titers, quality control assays, and other biological assays.• Managed time effectively to complete installations on schedule, allowing company goals to be met by quarter-end.• Delivered comprehensive training sessions to customers, enhancing their proficiency in equipment usage and machine maintenance.• Trained new engineers on machine repair, best practices for customer service, and thorough documentation practices.• Diligently documented customer issues, product orders, and solutions using cloud-based service management software, ensuring accurate and organized record-keeping.• Collaborated effectively with computer scientists, programmers, and engineers to resolve complex technical issues, demonstrating professionalism and clear communication.• Acquired expertise in fluid automation software and hardware through coursework and hands-on experience.

Research Summary: The goal of my research was to repurpose FDA-approved drugs to be radiosensitizing agents for the treatment of cancer. We tested potential drug candidates on a variety of patient-derived cancer cells and used pharmacological and molecular techniques to find effective therapeutics. We identified the proton pump inhibitor, esomeprazole, as a drug that significantly enhanced the effect of radiation therapy on cancer cells. We verified this result in a mouse model and determined that this drug worked by enhancing the amount of DNA damage and causing cell cycle arrest in cancer cells.

Role Summary: Upon receiving negative reviews of the current Individual Development Plan (IDP) used at Baylor College of Medicine, the Dean of the graduate school assembled a team of faculty and graduate students to put together an improved IDP. As a member of that team, I worked to develop an IDP that supports a student's growth, development, performance, and agency across their graduate training

Research Summary: I worked on a project that looked at an inner membrane tyrosine kinase (VpsO) and its phosphatase (VpsU) in Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the disease cholera. These proteins are part of a pathway essential for the synthesis of a key exopolysaccharide in the biofilm matrix, which increases the pathogenicity of V.cholerae. I purified the inner membrane protein, mutated tyrosine residues, and ran enzymatic assays that helped determine how this pathway functions. This work resulted in a publication in PLOS Pathogens.

Research summary: The goal of my research was to structurally and functionally characterize two proteins, Bap1 and RbmC. These proteins play a role in the formation of robust biofilms of Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the disease cholera. Bioinformatical analysis revealed that Bap1 and RbmC have domains responsible for carbohydrate binding and cell-to-cell adhesion. I purified the domains of these protein and modeled a potential VPS binging pocket. I successfully crystallized the second lectin domain of rbmC. Based on the crystal structure, I introduced mutations of key amino acid residues that looked to be essential motifs for sugar binding. To functionally test this hypothesis, I developed an ELISA assay to measure VPS binding to protein. I also mutated Bap1 and RbmC in V.cholerae and performed morphological studies of the pellicle and colony formation. The experimental work indicated that our hypothesis was correct and that Bap1 and RbmC do facilitate robust biofilms through the binding of VPS. The work is continued by a master’s student, whom I mentored while I was in the lab after graduation

Role Summary: As part of a work-study program, I was hired to reliably prepare media, clean glassware, and safely dispose of hazordus waste in Biosafety Level 2 environment

Role Summary: I worked as a tutor for the Learning Support Services at UC Santa Cruz. I tutored three classes: Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Linear Algebra. The tutoring involved planning hour-long sessions to increase students’ comprehension of the material presented in the previous week’s lectures.