Experience

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
• United States
• Higher Education
• 200 - 300 Employee
• MD/PhD Student

  • Aug 2021 - Present

Constellation Pharmaceuticals
• United States
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee
• Senior Research Associate

  • Oct 2020 - Jul 2021


AGTC

• United States
• Biotechnology Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Research Associate II: Gene Therapy

  • Mar 2019 - Oct 2020

  As a research associate, I worked to design, synthesize, and evaluate novel gene cassettes for production of AAV vectors in the Otologic disease space, specifically for DFNB1. I prepared and characterized small-scale, "clarified" AAV, for promoter and transgene testing in vitro and in an ex vivo model. I also support in vivo studies for DFNB1 and other preclincial programs. My work has allowed me to further cultivate my skills and experience in molecular biology and biochemistry, as well as grow in confidence and independence while meeting lofty deadlines. Aside from the scientific skill, I find that my interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability have been just as important to my success at AGTC.



Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

• United States
• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• PREP program Student

  • Aug 2018 - Feb 2019

  Primary Investigator: Dong Kong I utilized CRISPR-Cas9 and an AAV-sgRNA delivery method in gene targeted mouse models to dissect the role of neuropeptides in hypothalamic neurons regulating various metabolic parameters. In this process, I collaborated with a graduate student to finalize designs and clone various sgRNA into ITR vectors to make AAV, for use in the knockdown of certain AgRP neuropeptide expresson. I delivered these sgRNA via stereotaxic injection to the arcuate nucleus of our mouse model. I then followed up with analysis of metabolic readouts such as body weigh, food intake, and blood glucose. Given my previous animal handling experience, I was responsible for my own mouse colony (establishing lines for new projects) and ensuring the lab upheld IACUC standards in our animal facility.



Tufts University School of Medicine

• United States
• Higher Education
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Research Technician

  • Jun 2017 - Jun 2018

  As a research technician in the Stadecker lab at Tufts University, my work focused on determining the cellular mechanism(s) underlying C-type Lectin Receptor(CLR) dependent Th17 cell responses and resultant immunopathology in a mouse model of schistosomiasis. To this end, I cultivated bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) from a high pathology mouse model, CBA, and a low pathology, CD209aKO (a CLR) mouse on a CBA background, and performed in vitro experimentation. I treated these cells with inhibitors of molecules that we believed to be implicated in the cell signaling complex of schistosomiasis. This inhibitor treatment was followed by a cell treatment consisting of an incubation with parasite egg to induce a model immune response, allowing me to analyze cytokine release in the cell supernatant via ELISA or Western blotting. Consequently elucidating the role of a molecule of interest. Besides carrying out this work, I contributed to experimental designs by suggesting analysis of time points to ensure a good understanding of protein expression was possible. I also often troubleshooted problems with cell cultures and ELISA, calculated densitometry for western blots, planned experiments with a colleague, and ensured all materials and time were set aside for experimentation. The time I spent in the Stadecker lab allowed me to contribute significant work that was incorporated into a publication in cell reports. This job allowed me to grow in stamina, efficiency, and conflict resolution strategies to maintain considerable progress towards the research goals of the lab in addition to my own. After considerable successes and failures, I realized I was excited to learn and grow into a better researcher.



Williams College

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Allison Davis Research Fellow

  • Jun 2015 - May 2017

  I was selected through a competitive process that awarded me funds to facilitate research for two years at Williams College. As an Allison Davis fellow, I joined an interdisciplinary cohort of rising scholars in fields such as art history, latino studies, and geoscience. My time in the fellowship allowed me to teach audiences with and without a background in the hard sciences about several chemical concepts, as well as learn how other disciplines follow the research process. The mentorship I received through the fellowship allowed me to develop skills to navigate primary literature and propel my research. My work focused on the synthesis, purification, and characterization of ligands for the sensitization of lanthanide luminescence. I often struggled with many failures in synthesis, though I maintained my enthusiasm and determination throughout. I learned important lessons on how to troubleshoot reactions, improve my scientific writing skills, and make research strategies to keep moving forward. My research culminated in my thesis work, titled, Gemini Surfactant Based Lanthanide Ion Complexes for Bioprobe Applications.



Tufts graduate school of biomedical sciences

• United States
• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Student in Building Diversity in the Biomedical Science (BDBS) program

  • Jun 2016 - Jul 2016

  In the Covic lab, I worked to identify a novel interaction between a de-orphaned G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and major platelet activation receptor protease activated receptor (PAR) 4. I utilized cell cultures of CHO K1 cell line to transiently express the GPCR and concurrently screened molecules modeled on lipopeptide technology, pepducins, for inhibitory effects. I gave a presentation of my work at the annual Leadership Alliance National Symposium as well as prepared a poster for the BDBS program.



Case Western Reserve University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Student in the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)

  • Jun 2014 - Jul 2014

  I studied biochemistry, biostatistics, physics, attended workshops for health disparities, and interned at Case Western University Hospital during the SMDEP program. While shadowing in internal medicine, the emergency health department, and neurosurgery, I observed various facets of medicine that gave a clear picture of the challenges and rewards that a career in medicine presents. In internal medicine, I followed a team comprised of interns led by an attending physician as they performed their rounds. I learned from the amount of questions the interns were asked, the various moods across patients, and the diversity of their illnesses, that should I take this path, I would be expected to direct my learning in a way to be flexible and quick to think on my feet, to both understand an illness and convey that knowledge to another doctor or patient. In my time in the emergency room, I observed a few people that seemed to be experiencing homelessness and many senior citizens. There were several outbursts, odors, and a fast pace to treating patients that surprised me a little. My time in the ER was very instructive in showing me how important it is to stay calm under pressure, but also that it is probably not the place for me, given my interest to see patients for a longer period of time than that required to treat immediate concerns. My final shadowing rotation in neurosurgery was instructive in showing me some of the dexterity, coordination with staff, and rigor of training necessary to perform surgery.

• Research Assistant

  • Sep 2013 - Apr 2014

  I conducted semi-independent research in polymer chemistry under direction of faculty. Work includes organic synthesis, purification, and characterization via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in addition to a poster presentations titled Amino acid-based amphiphilic micelles I conducted semi-independent research in polymer chemistry under direction of faculty. Work includes organic synthesis, purification, and characterization via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in addition to a poster presentations titled Amino acid-based amphiphilic micelles