My projects focus on determining the mechanisms by which microglia contribute to the regulation of peripheral blood glucose. I have used a variety of approaches including chemogenetic, pharmacological, viral, and optogenetic, to assess the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Additionally, I have developed a series of modules in R, Python, Excel, and ImageJ which has standardized our image and data processing protocols and expanded our capacity to generate and analyze large datasets.

As a Medical Technologist, I have primarily worked in the Flow Cytometry, Electrophoresis, and Microbiology departments at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. My work in Flow Cytometry involves using immunofluorescence to identify malignant cell populations and analyzing their specific antigen presentation in order to categorize and diagnose different types of leukemia and lymphoma. While in the Microbiology and Electrophoresis departments I performed gram stains, grew and identified bacterial… Show more As a Medical Technologist, I have primarily worked in the Flow Cytometry, Electrophoresis, and Microbiology departments at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. My work in Flow Cytometry involves using immunofluorescence to identify malignant cell populations and analyzing their specific antigen presentation in order to categorize and diagnose different types of leukemia and lymphoma. While in the Microbiology and Electrophoresis departments I performed gram stains, grew and identified bacterial cultures, tested samples for viruses (including Influenza and CMV) and analyzed electrophoretic protein banding patterns.In addition to daily diagnostic work I also:Collected and analyzed monthly data on blood culture turn-around-time for seven hospitals in the Medstar Healthcare Network and spearheaded projects to improve and streamline laboratory functionServed on the committee for National Lab Week, creating menus, brainstorming and ordering prizes and gifts, organizing activities, and overseeing events.During my time at Medstar Washington Hospital Center I was a leading member of the Quality Performance Improvement Team, working to overhaul the laboratory's system for initial, six-month, and annual competency assessments to create standardization across all departments, while meeting all of the College of American Pathologists' specifications. Show less

As a Teacher at Breakthrough Collaborative, Santa Fe, I taught 7th-12th grade math to underserved, high-achieving middle and high school students from the Santa Fe area. I planned curricula, developed and implemented lesson plans, oversaw activities and facilitated hands-on, engaged learning by the students. From pre-assessment to post-assessment average student score improvement was 115%.During the summer of 2010 I worked as the math department head and in the summer of 2011 I served… Show more As a Teacher at Breakthrough Collaborative, Santa Fe, I taught 7th-12th grade math to underserved, high-achieving middle and high school students from the Santa Fe area. I planned curricula, developed and implemented lesson plans, oversaw activities and facilitated hands-on, engaged learning by the students. From pre-assessment to post-assessment average student score improvement was 115%.During the summer of 2010 I worked as the math department head and in the summer of 2011 I served as a committee chair. My leadership responsibilities included organizing the department and committee binders, running daily department meetings and bi-weekly committee meetings, and developing weekly professional development topics Show less