As part of LEAS LAB, I had the opportunity to empower and support students and aspiring scientists through our comprehensive career development programs. LEAS Lab is dedicated to growing diversity within the scientific community, inspiring interest in science, technology, and medical careers, and promoting inclusion in clinical and biotech research professions.In my role as Lab Manager and Teaching Assistant, I oversee the operations of the Learning Lab and supervise students and graduates aspiring to work in the biotech industry. My responsibilities include establishing lab procedures, setting work priorities, and training students. I am also involved in planning and organizing experiments, maintaining a lab notebook, and performing various molecular biology techniques such as ELISA, PCR, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and more.Key contributions in my role include:Overseeing Lab Operations: Managed lab supplies, organized materials, prepared for experiments, and ensured lab safety and cleanlinessTraining and Supervision: Supervised and trained students in lab techniques, facilitated discussions on immunology concepts, and demonstrated key techniques such as mammalian cell culture and microscopy to groups of up to 34 studentsExperiment Planning and Execution: Planned and organized experiments, maintained detailed lab notebooksStudent Support and Development: Supported students in understanding lab etiquette, connecting lab techniques to concepts, and preparing course-related materials Administrative Facilitation: Welcomed and navigated students through LabCentral, provided logistical support, and ensured a positive learning environment

As a Career Forge participant, I honed my laboratory skills, becoming proficient in aseptic techniques, including basic tissue cell culture, and executed nucleic acid purification methods such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry. I also gained hands-on experience in experimental design and the operation of advanced equipment, including Nanodrop devices, HPLC, molecular modeling, and various microscopy techniques, including fluorescent and light microscopy.Throughout my journey in Career Forge, I actively participated in insightful discussions with seasoned research scientists and biotech professionals, fostering a deep understanding of scientific theories and emphasizing a patient-centric approach to research.Collaboration was a key aspect of my experience, and I worked closely within a team to compose a scientific paper and design a poster presentation, both of which highlighted the critical role of MC1R mutations in the onset of melanoma.In addition to my technical skills, I implemented and consistently practiced essential lab safety procedures, ensuring the proper handling of hazardous materials and strict adherence to standard operating procedures, contributing to a safe and productive laboratory environment.This program also helped me improve workplace competencies including communication, teamwork, problem solving, attention to detail and leadership.

This project is an NIH funded Physical Activity study that aimed to enhance wearable devices and create a shared Physical activity data repository for future advancements in wearable device technology. As a team member of the PAAWWS study, I undertook multiple responsibilities. My contributions included enhancing research strategy and protocols, meticulous organization of participant-related data and documentation, and the creation of compelling website content and recruitment materials. In the realm of recruitment, I led the successful recruitment of over 50 participants, devising and implementing strategies that spanned social media platforms, online research recruiting platforms, and community outreach. I engaged with participants directly, conducting screening tests, scheduling, and ensuring their preparedness for our studies. My hands-on involvement continued with data collection sessions, where I performed various lab-based and remote data collection methods. Subsequently, I undertook extensive data processing and analysis tasks, from accelerometer data to video annotations and algorithm-assisted manual annotation.

As a key contributor to the Autonomous Telepresence Robot project, a collaboration between the Consortium on Technology for Proactive Care at NEU and Vigorous Minds, I had the privilege to delve into the transformative potential of IT and AI in healthcare and lifestyle enhancement. In my role as a usability tester, I conducted comprehensive usability testing on more than 20 participants, rigorously evaluating the user-friendliness of this groundbreaking technology. My approach extended beyond standard testing; I conducted in-depth interviews with participants. This documentation ensured that even the slightest details, from user confusion to task efficiency, were captured for thorough analysis. My responsibilities also included quantitative and qualitative data visualization, primarily through MS Excel, which ultimately aimed to provide actionable recommendations for the development team to improve the usability of the telepresence robot.

As a dental intern, I have had the privilege of performing routine and specialized dental examinations, diagnoses, and treatments for a diverse patient volume exceeding 2000 individuals. My commitment to expanding access to quality dental care led me to actively participate in over 30 dental camps in rural areas, where I conducted dental examinations, provided education, and delivered essential oral healthcare services to underserved communities. My extensive experience in dental care encompasses a broad spectrum of patients, including pediatric and geriatric populations, showcasing my ability to deliver comprehensive dental care across age groups. This invaluable experience not only honed my clinical skills but also provided me with strong communication skills and in-depth knowledge of health care systems, policies, workflow, and administrative aspects.