I have a bachelor's of science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from California State University Northridge. During college I took part in BUILD PODER, an undergraduate STEM program, where I had the opportunity to take part in undergraduate research. With the help of my mentor and fellow colleagues my research focused on understanding how various genes found in Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma and Mantle Cell Lymphoma are regulated and dysregulated. Through this paid internship I also had the opportunity to present my research at several conferences.Most recently I have spent several years as a microbiologist for California Cannabis Testing Lab. When I first started in the cannabis lab industry I worked as a sample prep technician for potency, water, activity, and moisture. As time progressed I was promoted to the role of a microbiologist where I compliance tested California cannabis samples for 5 species of Aspergillus as well as Shiga Toxin producing E. Coli (STEC), and Salmonella. My area of expertise is in DNA extraction and PCR analysis of cannabis samples. I also have working knowledge of HPLC instrumentation and potency analysis of cannabinoid compounds.