• Lead a project investigating the role of p53 in modulating interferon signaling, revealing its significance in the contexts of cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy, and the susceptibility to viral infection.• Collaborated on a project focused on improving radiation therapy by gaining insights into the p53-mediated responses to radiation.• Provided biological expertise for an interdisciplinary project focused on improving radiation therapy by modulating radiation beam quality.• Communicated research findings at departmental seminars to an interdisciplinary audience and drafted technical manuscripts.• Trained and supervised junior colleagues.

• I contributed towards a project focused on the mechanisms by which DNA double-strand break mobility can influence the formation of potentially cancer-causing translocations.• Provided training and mentoring to junior colleagues.

• At this startup company, I conducted research to develop non-pathogenic symbiotic microorganisms as a drug delivery platform for protein replacement therapy, addressing an unmet need for eliminating frequent administration by injection and associated side effects.• Participated in SBIR grant writing, grant opportunity identification and discussions on the potential for patentability and commercialization.

• Lead a project employing a well-defined in vitro transcription system to elucidate the mechanisms of non-bulky oxidative DNA damage-mediated transcription pausing, transcriptional mutagenesis (a phenomenon in which DNA damage causes mutagenesis at the level of transcription) and the influence of transcription elongation factor TFIIS on RNA polymerase bypass and transcriptional mutagenesis.• Initiated and coordinated a cross-sector collaboration with Emory University.• Communicated research findings at seminars, laboratory meetings, and an invited conference talk.

• I developed a highly efficient and reliable methodology for the study of defined DNA damage lesions in mammalian cells. I employed the tools and systems developed to investigate the repair of 5-hydroxyuracil and dihydrouracil from transcribed DNA, as well as the transcriptional mutagenicity and phenotypic consequences of these lesions in the context of oncogene activation in mammalian cells.• Gained extensive experience in scientific writing and public speaking.• Initiated an international collaboration.

• Presented class lectures and lead interactive exam review sessions for an advanced undergraduate course focusing on fundamentals of epigenetics and epigenetics in human disease.• Graded homework assignments assessing the students’ understanding of review publications in the field of epigenetics.

• I contributed towards our understanding of the genetic basis of Hirschsprung’s Disease by investigating the role of Mab21l2 in the context of enteric nervous system development in the zebrafish model system.• Prepared material transfer agreements for submission as part of handing laboratory purchasing.• Trained an international visiting scientist on zebrafish techniques.

Research Initiations in Mathematics, Mathematics Education and Statistics (RIMMES) program

Two semesters of behavioral neuroscience undergraduate research

Summer Undergraduate Research at Emory (SURE) program