As a Staff Research Associate 1 in Dr. Baljit Khakh's lab, I: -Collaborated with postdoctoral fellows on research projects focused on astrocyte-neuron interactions in the context of normal aging, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and stroke using mouse models.-Validated new viral constructs to investigate subcellular compartments and cellular changes across various disease states, utilizing techniques such as immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.-Imaged processed tissue via confocal microscopy, and analyzed imaging data using ImageJ software and Origin Labs.-Performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and gel electrophoresis for the genotyping of AD mice from the lab’s breeding colony and kept track of genotyping data for experimental use. -Adhered to lab protocols in compliance with the Animal Research Committee (ARC), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM) at UCLA to ensure proper animal handling and experimental procedures.-Maintained an organized and efficient lab environment by managing inventory, ordering supplies, and performing routine tasks such as cleaning glassware and lab coats.- Represented the lab and participated in a poster presentation session at the 17th Canadian Neuroscience Meeting in Vancouver, BC.

- Greeted and registered researchers and provided introductions to the Reading Room and outlined policies related to the use of Special Collections.Responded to reference inquiries regarding Special Collections materials and Neilson Library resources, and offered expert guidance on available research materials. - Located, retrieved, and reshelved archival boxes, rare books, and other valuable materials to ensure proper organization and preservation within the collection.

- Collaborated in a student-led project that focused on the visualization and characterization of the effect of bioelectric signaling throughout zebrafish embryogenesis.- Introduced to lab procedures such as in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, and heat shock to observe changes in the regulation of gene expression and cell type identity. - Earned necessary qualifications to work with zebrafish in a laboratory setting through the CITI Program and adhered to all rules and regulations in accordance with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).- Represented the lab as a member of the Society for Developmental Biology by attending annual virtual conferences. - Participated in this research through the Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program throughout the summer of 2021.