Monica C. Email and Phone Number

Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology

Focused on achieving company goals through independent research on improving the company’s patented nanoparticle composite propellants. Designated projects guide the direction of the research to meet customer standards of their requested material. Further research focuses on benefitting the company, this includes investigation of material applications for project proposals. A seminar was prepared and presented by Monica at the Biophysical Society Alumni Reunion on her work at Helicon Chemical Company.

Guiding students to reach an understanding in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, and Human anatomy and physiology through the Academic Success Center at Valencia College.

Independent research project focused on gaining an understanding of the mechanisms of a cancer-associated human DEAD-box protein under the supervision of Dr. Eda Koculi. Techniques used were primer design, PCR, purification and analysis. Presented a seminar to the UCF chemistry department on the literature supporting this research.

Football recruitment team member, who assisted in game day recruitment processes as well as Official Visits. All NCAA compliance was upheld to highest standards.

Worked with Hayretin Yumerefendi and Brian Kuhlman in the Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry at UNC-CH on LOV domain photoswitches. The project focused on improving the dynamic range of an optogenetic tool engineered by Dr. Yumerefendi by altering the photoswitch through PCR. By characterizing its biophysical activity, imaging a mammalian cell transfection, and performing yeast transcription, the new photoswitch showed promising results. Two poster presentations and one seminar were successfully completed. Wrote and published an article about the first program poster presentation and alumni reunion.