Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) Laboratory Branch | Assay Development Activity | Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellowship - Selected as a participant in the highly competitive ORISE fellowship designed to train recent graduates in public health activities.- Tested clinical specimens on FDA approved automated platforms for hepatitis B and C virus- Developed bead-based detection method for antibodies against hepatitis C virus with sensitivity and specificity over 95%- Assisted validation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs)Quality and Safety related activities:- Directly assisted quality manager with implementation of laboratory-wide quality management system - Assisted in annual safety document review and attend monthly center safety meetings as a branch safety representative - Developed SmartSolve document manager training course for 32 biological and computer scientists and 5 managers - Designed equipment database and implemented ISO calibrated thermometers as quality sub-committee member increasing quality of reagent and specimen storage - Developed a safety refresher course with interactive quiz modules for branch and presented to 25 scientists leading to 0 safety findings in the 2019 Annual Safety Survey for the DVH laboratory

• Explained challenging biological concepts to 17 students in an intermediate level course and evaluate tests and projects• Facilitated project group work and encourage critical thinking regarding scientific merit

• Fabricated biological trifunctional microparticles with spatially segregated regions using metal evaporation• Co-mentored 12 undergraduate researchers in the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program, Team BioBots

• Supported PhD candidate by collaboratively planning and executing experiments focused on evaluating various RNA chemistries. Protein expression, cellular stress response, RNA degradation rates, and cell viability were compared across various cellular transfection methods including electroporation and delivery vehicle methods.• Tested and evaluated various RNA sequences using single-molecule specific fluorescent probes to visualize locations within the cell. Test LNA knockdown ability on RNA, working towards potential LNA/DNA therapies.• Prepared and conducted cell-based assays, including transfections via electroporation• Used antibody staining techniques and imaging with fluorescence microscopy• Performed agarose gel electrophoresis and Western blotting

• Tutored and mentored over 300 freshmen residents annually to facilitate and develop a community environment within housing• Managed and resolved crisis and conflict situations by explaining and enforcing institute policy• Coordinated events with fellow resident advisors to achieve the learning outcomes set forth by the Department of Housing

• Provided an enjoyable and safe environment for over 30 pool members at any given time• Monitored swimmers and responded to requests and concerns from patrons• Maintained pool and water safety according to health codes

• Conducted protein degradation reactions with various individual and blended enzymes followed by gel electrophoresis to determine the effectiveness of specific enzyme treatments towards future food intolerance treatments• Documented petrifilm results as a part of quality control• Prepared buffer solutions and agar