University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of MedicineCell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group | Gene Therapy and Vaccines ProgramLaboratory of Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, MD, PhD (Department of Human Genetics)• Performed and optimized the preclinical development of ex vivo lentiviral gene therapy with hematopoietic stem cell transplant for multiple sulfatase deficiency and related lysosomal storage disorders• Generated and characterized novel patient iPSC-derived neuron and… Show more University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of MedicineCell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group | Gene Therapy and Vaccines ProgramLaboratory of Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, MD, PhD (Department of Human Genetics)• Performed and optimized the preclinical development of ex vivo lentiviral gene therapy with hematopoietic stem cell transplant for multiple sulfatase deficiency and related lysosomal storage disorders• Generated and characterized novel patient iPSC-derived neuron and microglia cell models of multiple sulfatase deficiency to dissect disease pathophysiology and examine cross-correction mechanisms after gene therapy• Determined translational phenotypic endpoints for therapeutic rescue at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral (including neurological and motor assays) levels through extensive work with both in vitro and in vivo models of disease Show less

Laboratory of Jonathan Raper, PhD (Department of Neuroscience)• Determined the molecular mechanisms of olfactory sensory neuron axon guidance in the developing olfactory bulb of larval zebrafish utilizing novel transgenic fluorescent lines, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, and confocal microscopy

Biogen CoLab• Designed and performed cell and molecular biology experiments with high school students from marginalized communities in order to cultivate their interests in biomedical research• Gained expertise in lab techniques such as E. coli microbial culture, bacterial transformation, plasmid mini-prep, site-directed mutagenesis, SDS PAGE, and purification by batch affinity chromatography• Led group classes (20-40 students) to review experimental ideology and techniques and… Show more Biogen CoLab• Designed and performed cell and molecular biology experiments with high school students from marginalized communities in order to cultivate their interests in biomedical research• Gained expertise in lab techniques such as E. coli microbial culture, bacterial transformation, plasmid mini-prep, site-directed mutagenesis, SDS PAGE, and purification by batch affinity chromatography• Led group classes (20-40 students) to review experimental ideology and techniques and apply concepts in a hands-on laboratory setting Show less

• Assessed metacognitive awareness in higher-functioning children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)• Communicated with and interviewed community members to elicit participation in the study, conduct assessments, and follow up with participants• Created advertisements and designed recruitment techniques to draw in study participation

• Aided senior thesis students by running the electroencephalogram (EEG) on human subjects in order to test the effectiveness of reappraisal techniques on emotion recognition• Collaborated with fellow student researchers and academic advisors to collect and analyze data

• Developed novel cycloaddition cascades in order to synthesize the core structure of the daphnicyclidin alkaloids, a family of biologically active natural compounds• Gained experience with wet lab techniques such as thin layer chromatography, reflux condensation, distillations, rotary evaporation, liquid-liquid extraction, and vacuum filtration• Utilized instruments such as 1H NMR spectrometer and CombiFlash Purification System • Designed experiments and analyzed data by… Show more • Developed novel cycloaddition cascades in order to synthesize the core structure of the daphnicyclidin alkaloids, a family of biologically active natural compounds• Gained experience with wet lab techniques such as thin layer chromatography, reflux condensation, distillations, rotary evaporation, liquid-liquid extraction, and vacuum filtration• Utilized instruments such as 1H NMR spectrometer and CombiFlash Purification System • Designed experiments and analyzed data by collaborating with other student researchers and department professors• Authored and presented findings at a poster session at Hamilton College for faculty, students, and families Show less