I worked on elucidating the mechanisms of damage in Intracerebral Hemorrhage using a rat model. In this role, I maintained the laboratory space, submitted a protocol for IACUC approval, and performed rat surgery. Our surgical model used an injection of collagenase in stereotaxic frame to induce ICH.

I worked to develop a gene therapy for Myotonic Dystrophy Type I (DM1), a type of muscular dystrophy, using CRISPR/Cas9 in an AAV vector.Techniques Used: Cell culture and differentiation (Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, myoblasts, fibroblasts, and neural stem cells), CRISPR/Cas9, plasmid transfection (AAV, lipofectamine, and electroporation), Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), DNA and RNA isolation, flow cytometry, reverse transcription, confocal microscopy (Leica TCS SP8), epifluorescent microscopy (Zeiss LSM 800 Airyscan).

My primary research focus was elucidating the effect of Interleukin-15 (IL-15) on cardiac metabolism. Using H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes, I examined the changes in gene expression, protein expression, mitochondrial activity, citrate synthase activity, and other bio-markers of metabolism as the result of IL-15 treatment. In addition, I mentored undergraduate research students, organized supplies in the lab, and otherwise oversaw the day-to-day maintenance of the lab.Techniques Used: Cell culture, protein and nucleic acid isolation, bradford Assay, western Blot, epiflourescent microscopy, ELISA, colorimetric assay, plasmid transfection (Lipofectamine).

I assisted a senior research and development scientist with developing new and optimizing existing products. I worked to develop analysis of methylation patterns using restriction digests and qPCR, ELISA's, and other colorimetric assays for bio-markers. I also assisted with an exploratory aging study using Drosophila as a model organism.Techniques used: methylation analysis using restriction digests and qPCR, PCR, PCR primer validation, ELISA, colorometric assays, nucleic acid isolation, electrophoresis,

In this position, I sampled finished product to test for various defects and deviations. I tested air in controlled areas for particulate matter, temperature, and humidity. I also took microbiological samples in controlled areas for testing. In performing these functions, I documented the results in line with current Good Documentation Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices.

My main responsibility was to manage the accounts of over 100 clients. To perform these responsibilities, I answered phone calls and responded to emails from clients. I also periodically helped develop and test new site functions and pages. Additionally, I identified, reported, and tested bugs for our website.

I worked with the Boards of Optometry and Clinical Laboratory Sciences. I processed applications for licensure, and worked with the Boards to implement the regulations of both industries.

The AmeriCorps organization I worked for performed various services for a low-income rural community. I helped organize and carry out summer camps and education programs for at-risk youth. I also helped renovate houses to be sold as low-income housing.

As a Teaching Associate for the Introduction to Molecular Biology Lab course, I constructed lectures to introduce the concepts and techniques that would be used in the day’s lab. I wrote and graded quizzes and tests for the lab. Also, I assisted first year Biology majors understand experimental techniques.

In this role, I helped assess the role of different genes on leaf senescence. We used the Arabidopsis model, and employed DNA isolation, PCR, and plasmid transfection to investigate each gene's causal relationship to senescence.

As a Graduate assistant, I helped maintain the stockroom for the General Biology Labs. I measured and prepared reagents for labs. I ensured all lab equipment was working properly and calibrated. I set-up and took-down daily biology labs, and used an autoclave to clean glassware. I maintained and inventoried the Laboratory Preparation Room. I also received and processed stockroom supply orders.

As an undergraduate researcher, I helped investigated the effect of resistance training on the bone mineral density of Sprague Dawley rats. I carried out the resistance training, handling, and general care of the rats. We used ELISA, DEXA scans, and other assays to determine the changes in bone density.

I tutored struggling students in Calculus, Biology, and Chemistry and helped them excel. I also attended weekly tutor training meetings where new teaching techniques were presented.