Investigated the molecular mechanisms of lens organogenesis and cataractogenesis by studying the effects of connexin gene knockout and constitutive MEK1 expression on cataract formation in mutant mouse models. Utilized cell culture, microdissection, PCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blot, immunostaining, and confocal microscopy.PI: Xiaohua Gong, PhD

Co-led an introductory undergraduate biology lab section of 30 students by developing lesson plans at weekly faculty meetings, lecturing course material, presenting lab techniques, providing one-on-one feedback and guidance to individual students, grading weekly assignments, and assisting in writing exams.

Developed new analytical high-throughput LC-MS/MS assays to better measure the physicochemical properties of drug candidates. Correlated parameters measured using immobilized artificial membrane and reversed-phase chromatography with accepted lipophilicity and intestinal permeability values to identify the best-fit methodologies for validation testing. Performed data analyses using cheminformatics software and Excel.Supervisors: Joseph Pease, PhD and Newton Wu

Studied the roles of upstream modulators of the Hippo pathway, such as Par3, in promoting tumorigenesis. Assisted with the orthotopic implantation of prostate cancer cells and harvesting of tumor tissue in rodents.PI: Weiqiang Gao, PhD