The lead teaching assistant for a 4 unit class that had a curriculum centered on instructing the students on how to conduct fundamental laboratory techniques to assist them in their future careers. Techniques taught included PCR and qPCR, the development and creation of CRISPR Cas9 plasmids and gRNA inserts, and the implementation of these plasmids in the editing of cell lines. Responsibilities included teaching the students about these techniques and leading twice-a-week 3-hour labs, guiding the writing of detailed lab reports and the grading of them, the writing of lab quizzes, preparation of lab materials and back-up experiment products (i.e., extra digested vector stock, transformed bacteria, etc.), and office hours.

The liaison between a local middle school and the ESTEME STEMSquad at UC Davis, where I help coordinate volunteer-lead afterschool activities at a local middle school. Through this program, we promote the exposure of students to the many potential careers within science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, and motivate them to pursue further education in these areas. Through a variety of hands-on activities, we create an open learning environment for students to explore and experience science and technology.

PhD Student in Dr. Dietmar Kueltz' lab in the Graduate Group of Ecology at UC Davis.

Main Projects: Species identification and gene comparison of twenty-six unknown killifish species samples; Molecular pathways and their roles in the developmental trajectory of Austrofundulus limnaeusKey Responsibilities: Genomics (fish dissection tissue sampling, exsanguination, DNA Barcoding, PCR, gel electrophoresis, gel extraction, DNA extraction, TECAN use, DNA quantification, DNA sequencing), fish and mammalian cell culture (cell splitting, maintenance), general lab duties (autoclaving, undergraduate mentoring and training), as well as the same key responsibilities done as an undergraduate researcher. Collaborated with Providence Cancer Institute scientists in Portland, OR on annual killifish genomics. Proficiency with: Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, Geneious, limited working proficiency in Spanish (spoken and written).

For Biology 361- Introduction to Marine Biology Laboratory; co-taught Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) lesson plans that involved discovery and evidence-oriented learning exercises that promote collaboration among students. Involved teaching DNA Barcoding to lab classes of undergraduate students (DNA tissue extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, data analysis), lab preparation, and lab mentorship.

Main Projects: Determining the cause of death of marine mammals found on the Oregon Coast; Tracking the parasitic species richness and diversity within marine mammal intestines Key Responsibilities: Parasite intestines recovery (intestines flushing, counting, identification), pinniped and porpoise necropsies (biometrics, organ and tissue sampling, signs of trauma identification)

Main Project: Identification of environmental cues and screening of bioactive chemicals that alter developmental trajectory in Austrofundulus limnaeus.Key Responsibilities: Developmental trajectory tracking of killifish embryos (somite counting, Wourms’ Stage tracking, microscope use, data collection and interpretation), embryo exposures to Vitamin-D Pathway related compounds (dilutions, solution preparation, fish husbandry (embryos and adults)