I am a graduate from DeSales University, where I received a B.S. in biology, with minors in chemistry and behavioral neuroscience. My research experience as an undergraduate student has driven me to pursue a career in the field of biological research.As an undergraduate student, I conducted cellular biology research during 2016 and 2017. My area of research investigated the localization of proteins in response to cellular stress in bovine aortic endothelial cells. This response was studied in terms of the cellular realignment that takes place in the cells of blood vessels afflicted with the cardiovascular disease. I presented my data at The DeSales University Natural Science Department Poster Sessions (2016 & 2017), The Lehigh Valley Molecular and Cell Biology Symposium (2016 & 2017), and The Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences in 2017. My collegiate experience also fostered in me a deep need to serve others. For four years, I worked as an academic tutor and mentor to urban children in Allentown, PA. In this position, I helped to shape the lives of children by improving their academic and interpersonal skills. As a senior college student, I participated in DeSales University’s community service outreach program as a student leader. In 2017, I was awarded the Parent’s Association Award for Outstanding Individual Community Service. These and many other experiences influenced my decision to complete a year of service, prior to entering the research field. I am currently completing my second year of national service as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Reading, Pennsylvania, with the focus area of K-12 success. As a VISTA, I work as a liaison between Alvernia University and Millmont Elementary School to offer an educational after-school program for 1st and 2nd grade students. This program strives to eradicate poverty in the city of Reading by giving these students a strong educational foundation and instilling in them the motivation needed for a successful life.
Listed skills include Aseptic Technique, Mammalian Cell Culture, Youth Mentoring, Academic Tutoring, and 30 others.
