Staff Research Associate

• Jan 2021 - Present

Leading multiple projects gauging the validity of postmortem brain novel MRI sequences when compared to the gold standard that is histology. One project in particular is looking to identify the accuracy of the use of Locus Coeruleus (LC) MRI signal as a bioindicator of the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in postmortem tissue. The aim of my project is to validate the LC signal in novel neuromelanin sensitive MRI sequences for eventual in vivo/clinical use by comparing voxel-to-voxel the MRI signal to 3D reconstructed postmortem human LC histology. The LC loses ~8% of it's volume with each Braak stage in AD and is one of the first sites of tau accumulation in the disease positioning it as an attractive biomarker to examine.I conduct tissue imaging, registration, and reconstruction of 3D images of brainstems using Python,I create timelines to meet grant deadlines, staining plans, and work in tandem with histologists to prep and stain postmortem human tissue, and I prep and cut human brainstems to get serial thick cross sections.I image these stained BS sections and run them through our sophisticated in house computational pipeline for accurate registration to the novel MRI sequences. I've trained 10+ students and visiting scholars on our methods and effectively manage the flow of the project. I've also had the honor of presenting findings at our lab meetings, at the UCSF Memory And Aging Center, and at international conferences in Denver and San Diego. Show less

Job shadower

• Sep 2021 - Present

I shadow neurologists as they meet with patients afflicted with clinically presenting neurodegenerative syndromes as well as their loved ones and caretakers. I've been present for Mini Mental State Exams and various other neuropsychological exams to track brain health and determine clinical diagnoses. I've also had the opportunity to examine and study MRIs and PET scans of patients as clinical neurologists, pathologists, nurses, and technicians discuss findings and predict diagnoses and potential medications and interventions to stabilize the patient's health. I have witnessed diagnoses and recommendations be communicated effectively and empathetically to grieving families as well as cognitively impaired patients in English and Spanish. Show less

Student Researcher

• Apr 2018 - Dec 2020

As an undergraduate student, I assisted with neurodegenerative disease research efforts. I assisted postmortem human brain tissue handling, tissue image segmentation, and registration using python.

Democratic Education at Cal Founder and Facilitator

• Sep 2018 - Jul 2020

I created and taught a course at UC Berkeley on Bio-inspired Design to undergraduate students in which I shared how to critically delve into scientific papers and biological discoveries to target pressing problems in society. I also led workshops on how to prototype these novel and creatively designed solutions and ideas via 3D printing, laser cutting, Adobe Illustrator, etc. and taught students tips on how to effectively communicate their research and designs. I created and taught a course at UC Berkeley on Bio-inspired Design to undergraduate students in which I shared how to critically delve into scientific papers and biological discoveries to target pressing problems in society. I also led workshops on how to prototype these novel and creatively designed solutions and ideas via 3D printing, laser cutting, Adobe Illustrator, etc. and taught students tips on how to effectively communicate their research and designs.

Co-Founder of Bio-Inspired Design Community

• Sep 2018 - Jul 2020

Outreach Coordinator of Bio-Inspired Design Community

• Sep 2018 - Jul 2020

I manage all social media profiles related to the UC Berkeley Bio-inspired Design community and promoted engagement with many different clubs and student groups on campus.

Dance Choreographer

• Oct 2016 - Jan 2020

I choreographed dance routines for the company and instructed workshops for 20+ dancers. I have also presented choreographed pieces in the Thrive Contemporary Dance Company 2016 and 2018 Fall showcases. I choreographed dance routines for the company and instructed workshops for 20+ dancers. I have also presented choreographed pieces in the Thrive Contemporary Dance Company 2016 and 2018 Fall showcases.

Job Shadower

• Jan 2019 - Jan 2019

Shadowed fellows and attending physicians in the neurology, radiology, and the endovascular department at UC San Diego. I learned about -angioplasties -angiograms -spinal taps -acoustic neuromas -epidural steroid injections -rhizotomies -patient care I observed strategies in the OR and met with patients. Shadowed fellows and attending physicians in the neurology, radiology, and the endovascular department at UC San Diego. I learned about -angioplasties -angiograms -spinal taps -acoustic neuromas -epidural steroid injections -rhizotomies -patient care I observed strategies in the OR and met with patients.

Hostess/ Food Runner

• Jun 2016 - Aug 2018

I worked in customer service as a hostess and food runner over my school breaks during my first two years in college. I worked in customer service as a hostess and food runner over my school breaks during my first two years in college.

Barista

• Jun 2017 - Aug 2017

Blood Drive Coordinator

• Aug 2015 - Aug 2016

Barista

• Jun 2015 - Nov 2015