Working under the guidance of Dr. Bonnie L. Firestein at the Nelson Biological LaboratoriesCurrently investigating the mechanisms by which Uric Acid (UA) promotes recovery following Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in response to Glumtate induced excitotoxicity as an antioxidant and through the upregulation of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) in astroglial cells. This will be followed by the optimization of UA drug delivery using Poly(ε-caprolactone) fibers as a potential novel therapeutic for SCI.Utilization of organotypic spinal cord slice cultures as an in-vitro model, immunocytochemistry for injury and treatment protocols, and fluorescent imaging/analysis.

Led weekly recitation sessions and office hours for General Physics Undergraduate coursesFostered an engaging learning environment through collaborative group work Addressed student questions and concerns by encouraging active involvement in discussionRelayed feedback on weekly sessions and suggested improvements for following semesters through departmental staff meetings.

Guided 80 first-year students transition into college and explore interests in health professions.Organized educational and community-building programs for career and personal development.Actively maintained connection with mentees through periodic one on one meetings Worked closely with upper Residence Life Staff to implement changes and feedback.

Selected representative of the Health and Medicine Living Learning CommunityReported back to LLC Advisors on feedback, opinions, and concerns of over 80 students.Collaborated with other respective LLC representatives to improve the program for future students

I have observed the daily routine of Cardiologists, Internists, and Pathologists in independent practices and hospital environments.Observed the diagnosis of new and reoccurring patients and application of specialty-specific medical assessment techniques and equipment (ex. Echocardiograms, Ultrasounds, Radiography/Microscopy)Conducted clerical work, noted medical history, and performed EKGs (Dr. Archana Joshi, MD)

Analyzed changes in the expression of proteins thought to be involved with neuroprotective pathways in response to induced mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Experiments utilized ipsilateral hippocampal and cortical brain samples injured using the Modified Cortical Controlled Impact Model (mCCI).Gained experience with lysate preparation, western blot protein expression analysis, fluorescent cell imaging   Published and presented poster at the Aresty Summer Research Symposium

Research project affiliated with Rutgers University and John P. Stevens High SchoolConducted research in molecular biology/bioinformaticsIdentified and studied the effects of mutated gene sequences on Landoltia PunctataGained lab experience utilizing Gel Electrophoresis, PCR, CentrifugationAnalyzed sample practice clones using DNA Sequence Analysis Program (DSAP) Published Gene Sequence on NCBI Database: 09MMP1.17