• Conducted a small molecule screen targeting a nuclear receptor in human T helper cells, PBMCs, and whole blood. • RNAi of IL-17A pathway genes in human T helper cells to delineate biological pathways. • In vitro binding studies to identify novel interaction between IL-17C and IL-17RA and IL-17RE.

• Research focused on developing microRNA-based therapeutics. • Projects include: cloning of shuttle vectors and production of adenovirus to deliver microRNAs, subsequent virus characterization in primary cells, biomarker identification using gene expression profiling and ChIP on Chip assays, high-throughput drug enhancer studies utilizing inducible shRNA cell lines, and validation of microRNA targets by quantitative PCR and western blot analysis.

• Research focused on chromatin biology, specifically how the regulation of histones affects gene expression and various cell functions. • Projects required purification of histones by RP-HPLC from various organisms and their analysis by western blot and MALDI-TOF. • A subset of my experiments detailed how sequential acetylation and phosphorylation of Histone H2B protein promotes apoptosis in yeast. • Other projects relied on antibody characterization, peptide purification by RP-HPLC, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. • Regularly presented scientific data in laboratory meetings and participated in journal clubs.

• Research focused on meiotic recombination in S. cerevisiae, particularly a structure-function study of Spo11 protein that identified key residues required for double-strand break formation. • Another project identified Crossover Homeostasis, a novel mechanism regulating crossover formation, and was published in Cell. • Additional projects focused on recombinant protein expression and purification for antibody production, yeast strain construction, and two-hybrid studies. • Regularly presented scientific data in laboratory meetings and participated in journal clubs. • Responsibilities included: ordering and stocking reagents, ordering and maintaining equipment, training students, and preparing laboratory reagents and buffers.