Conduct biochemical assay development and compound screening for immuno-oncology based drug discovery. Utilize protein purification methods, ELISA, HTRF, thermal shift assays, and fluorescence polarization to develop high-throughput screening assays. Gained experience in assay optimization, experimental design, and data analysis. Communicate findings to immunologists, cell biologists and chemists.

Differentiate clinical asset Talzenna from competitor inhibitors by defining the interactome in relevant SCLC lines. Profile drug off-targets using Proteome Integral Stability Assay (PISA). Optimized conditions for the miniaturization of samples for multiplexed proteomics analysis & implemented new techniques into standard workflow (SP3 bead technology). Gained experience in mammalian cell culture, immunoprecipitations, LC-MS/MS, TMT labeling, analysis of large data sets, protein and peptide enrichment and assay development. Presented findings on the above to the Chemical Biology group. Developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the chemical biology team which have been integrated into new hire orientation.

Instructed a cohort of 32 students and fostered a collaborative environment, helping students understand the material better and tackle practice problems. Developed scientific communication and public speaking skills.

Tutored undergraduate students one-on-one with in-depth conversations to improve students’ long-term writing process. Aided students with assignments and projects such as argumentative papers, lab reports, and personal statements.

Writer for UCSD undergraduate biological research journal. Composed andpublished articles that feature UCSD research laboratories by working with labs andinterviewing Principle Investigators and Post-Doctoral Researchers to communicatebiological research findings to a broad audience.

Developed methods to produce chromosomal translocations for use as gene drives in collaboration with Post-Doctoral Researchers. Ran cloning projects using fundamental laboratory skills such as PCR, gel extraction, digestions, plasmid preparation and cell culture. Optimized conditions for DNA sequencing by troubleshooting problems.