Scientist, Endocrine Research Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.

Used scientific method to design complex, highly technical, and unbiased scientific experiments that help elucidate molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy and possible treatments of muscle atrophy. Supervised all day-to-day operations and directly reported to executive management members regarding project updates and results. Established and managed external CRO studies involving pre-clinical assays investigating small molecule physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties.

Volunteer as a Big Brother for the local Big Brother Big Sister program. Participate in weekly outings with Little Brother.

• Designed and executed experiments investigating the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle atrophy.• Mentored undergraduate students working in Dr. Adams lab.

- Used multiple experimental systems (cell culture, rodent and human) in combination with biochemical, molecular biology and genetic techniques to identify ATF4 and Gadd45a as novel molecular mediators of skeletal muscle atrophy, significantly advancing the field of skeletal muscle atrophy.- Published innovative peer-reviewed papers and presented oral and poster presentations related to research at national conferences.- Interacted and coordinated with fulltime lab and University of Iowa Core Facility staff to successfully complete research projects in an efficient and timely manner.- Mentored undergraduate research students in the Adams Lab working on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy.

- Contributed to the design, polymer synthesis, coating formulation and coating deposition of marine and biomedical coatings using a combinatorial and high-throughput approach.- Used analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, rapid gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry and thin layer chromatography to characterize newly synthesized polymers and coatings.- Executed a variety of high-throughput screening assays such as, bacterial and algae biofilm growth, bacterial biofilm and barnacle adhesion, microbial viability, flow cell microbial attachment, and agar contact/diffusion to characterize marine and biomedical coatings from both CNSE and other contracted companies and universities. - Worked on the development of new assays (MICs and biocide disinfection and removal) to be incorporated into the standard high-throughput workflow.