The Ward Lab investigates membrane proteins and viruses using integrative structural biology techniques in order to better understand how antibodies bind to and neutralize viruses and to aid in vaccine design.Conducted a project using a novel microfluidics protocol to characterize antigen-antibody interactions in HKU1 and OC43 in convalescent donors. Compared the results of the microfluidics protocol to the results of the conventional electron microscopy polyclonal epitope mapping protocol. (middle-author on a submitted publication)Invented a protein purification protocol for the novel microfluidics system.Applied laboratory skills, including electron microscopy polyclonal epitope mapping (EMPEM), protein purification, microfluidics, and used data processing software, including Chimera and Relion.

The Gifford Lab studies congenital heart disease and the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind the disease.Conducted a project to select a MESP1 knockdown guide to use with CRISPRi to perturb cardioids, organoids that differentiate into beating chamber-like structures with a cavity. Gained experience with iPSCs.Performed numerous laboratory skills, including cell culture, molecular biology, and stem cell research.

Future Living Hackathon ParticipantManaged and led team of remote students from Sweden, UAE and the United States. Devised innovative solutions for clean energy production and combating pollution.