I am currently enrolled in the Neuroscience PhD program at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. I anticipate focusing primarily on substance use disorders and the use of imaging methods and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to diagnose and treat those disorders, respectively.

My role as a clinical associate centers around supporting research efforts. This includes preparing and maintaining various trackers and spreadsheets, assisting in data cleaning processes, participating in literature review and analysis, and facilitating communication with clinical sites via design and content editing of monthly newsletters.

As a consulting intern, I have primarily worked with cleaning and preparing data for a soft lock. I have worked on various projects including designing newsletters and ensuring compliance of source documents with protocol updates. I have additionally gained critical exposure to standard operating procedures within the pharmaceutical industry and have an understanding of the relationship between the private sector and government agencies, such as the FDA.

VCP Disease is a rare disease caused by mutation in the gene encoding the valosin-containing protein. This disease can cause inclusion body myopathy, frontotemporal dementia, Paget's disease, and/or ALS. My work aims to provide an overview of the biological underpinnings of the disease as well as to examine the impact of emotional well-being on disease progression. Furthermore, I am interested in understanding the patient perspective of rare disease.

I conducted an extensive literature review concerning the neural and behavioral correlates of impulsivity over the course of alcohol dependence. I was then able to test my hypotheses about the relationships between score on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Barrett Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) and between AUDIT and Sensitivity to Reward and Punishment Questionnaire (SPSRQ). I completed my role with a presentation of my findings as well as participation in a poster session at the 2022 UROP Symposium.