Summary of Research ExperienceMy academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Shandong University, followed by a Master of Science in the University of Calgary, where I worked under the guidance of Dr. Paul Mains. During my master’s training, I explored the regulatory role of protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) in microtubule severing in C. elegans embryos. This research gained me valuable experience in molecular biology and genetics, including molecular cloning, RNA purification, genetic crosses, co-immunoprecipitation, and time-lapse Nomarski microscopy.Building upon this foundation, I pursued my Ph.D. at the University of Alberta, under the mentorship of Dr. Martin Srayko, focusing on the regulation of the oncogene MCAK by Aurora Kinase phosphorylation. Here, I expanded my expertise in molecular genetics by generating transgenic animals and conducting advanced confocal live imaging. Additionally, I developed proficiency in protein work, including recombinant protein purification, in vitro phosphorylation assays, protein profiling with 2D-gel electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry.Currently, I am a member of Dr. Dave Hansen's lab at the University of Calgary, where I have been researching the regulation of GLP-1/Notch signaling in C. elegans germline stem cells. My project investigates the impact of a novel protein interaction using molecular genetics and cell biology-based approaches, including CRISPR-based gene editing, co-immunoprecipitation, and an alanine scanning yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) method.In addition to my work with C. elegans, I have garnered significant experience with human stem cells. During my time in Dr. Alexander Ljubimov’s lab, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, I contributed to nano gene therapies for diabetic corneal diseases. My responsibilities included isolating and culturing primary stem cells, preparing human amniotic membrane for cell cultures, and performing gene therapy on pluripotent stem cells and organ cultures for limbal stem cell therapy.Throughout my academic career, I have developed strong leadership and management skills. As a Teaching Assistant at UA, I supervised undergraduate lab courses, delivered lectures, and provided hands-on training. Since 2007, in roles ranging from a PhD student to a Postdoctoral Associate, I have also mentored undergraduate and graduate trainees, guiding them in experimental design, troubleshooting, and professional development activities such as writing research proposals and presenting research results.