At NCATS/NIH, I work under Dr. Ganesha Rai Bantukallu, Ph.D. in the Chemistry Technology Program of NCATS' Division of Precinical Innovation.

At NIDA/NIH, I studied under Dr. Kenner C. Rice, Ph.D. in the Drug Design and Synthesis Section of the Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch. In the Rice lab, I engineered and conducted organic reactions to synthesize a radiotracer, and its cold standard, that will be used to examine the µ-opioid receptor distribution in the human central nervous system. Additionally, I devised synthetic schemes to generate low-efficacy µ-opioid receptor agonists and partial agonists to discover effective analgesics and treatments for opioid use disorder. With my experience, I developed critical skills in scaling up reactions, purifying and fully characterizing intermediates, and operating under inert atmosphere and air-sensitive conditions. I also learned to navigate big databases like Reaxys, SciFinder, and PubMed.

Under the direction of Dr. Alecia K. Gross, Ph.D., I employed transgenesis of Xenopus laevis tadpoles to characterize roles for proteins required for rod photoreceptor development and maintenance. I was also trained and became proficient in tissue culture, fluorescent and confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and other protein analyses

Courses assisted: Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II

For this position, I was 1 of over 550 applicants selected to intern for Cytokientics, a biopharmaceutical company studying drug discovery for cardiovascular and neuromuscular disorders. During my internship with Cytokientics, I worked under Dr. Inigo Valiente Alandi, Ph.D. utilizing molecular biology techniques, such as quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, to confirm the therapeutic effects of newly synthesized small molecules in animal models of disease

As a certified pharmacy technician, I swiftly and correctly calculated dosages, dispensed medications, and prepared IV transfusions for approval by the hospital’s pharmacists. I also utilized the pharmacy’s computer program to access prescription information, patient data, and drug selection, and I frequently verified medications with patients upon their admission into and discharge from the hospital