Neuroscientist in the Institute for Genomic Medicine (IGM) working on developmental epileptic encephalopathies.

My research on synaptic plasticity focuses on the regulation of the small G-Protein Arf6, an important signaling protein whose misregulation is implicated in X-Linked Intellectual Disability (XLID). Using classical molecular biology techniques, I am trying to dissect Arf6’s key upstream regulators and downstream effectors, which will potentially shed light on how this protein participates in neuronal homeostasis and why its misregulation leads to cognitive deficits. One of the potential upstream activators we are interested is the Met receptor, a receptor tyrosine kinase, mutations in which are linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders.• Developed an assay to isolate activated G-Protein from metabolically active synaptosome brain fractions• Mapped the activation profile of small G-Protein Arf6 activation in excitatory neurons using dissociated hippocampal cultures, metabolically active synaptosomes and immortalized hippocampal derived cell lines.• Investigate the consequences of disrupted Met receptor signaling in excitatory neurons using dendritic spine morphology as a read-out. • Use pharmacological tools to study Arf6 signaling axis in hippocampal neurons.• Train and lead UCONN and REU undergraduate researchers to carry out independent study and publish findings in Neuroscience conferences. • Give talks annually in graduate research seminars.

• Worked with the lecture professor, Dr. Xinnian Chen to create and deploy a new online assessment method for the lab practical examinations for the courses PNB 2264/74, 2265/75 (~1500 undergrads). Published a methodology paper detailing the same: Improving consistency in large laboratory courses: a design for a standardized practical exam• Certified and trained in Human Subject Research, IRB for collecting and analyzing data from the newly implemented online assessment method for a research study. • Assist TAs in creating lab teaching powerpoints and teaching tidbits. • Teach two lab sections for the Enhanced Anatomy and Physiology course.

Studied the effect of human uncoupling protein-2 in dopaminergic neurons in a Drosophila sporadic Parkinson disease model by examining mitochondrial toxicity and lifespan.

• Examined physicochemical and pharmacological properties of the drug, Pantoprazole. • Conducted stability studies for core/coated, placebo core/coated drugs using H.P.L.C. • Tested method validation parameters including moisture content analysis using a KF titrator.