Greater Boston
There are as many bacterial cells as there are human cells living in our bodies: pathogens, symbiotes, commensals, and others that defy classification. For many bacteria, the human body is a stressful environment, from the extreme acidities of the digestive system to the reactive oxygen species produced by the immune response. I investigate the bacterial stress response with the goal of informing fundamental biology and future interventions that can sustainably fight disease. As an undergraduate at Reed College, I took on many roles, from tutoring, to teaching assistantships and grading, and even earning my NRC nuclear reactor operator license. I also had the opportunity to explore biosurfactant production as an NSF REU fellow at the Montana State University Center for Biofilm Engineering. In my senior thesis and beyond, I became interested in understanding the bacterial stress response, from specific systems like metal ion homeostasis to the general stress response as modulated by initiation factors like E. coli RpoS. Now, as a research assistant in the Paulsson Lab @ HMS Dept. Systems Biology, I contribute to the development of new ways to diagnose, treat and understand antibiotic resistant infections, using novel optical techniques and microfluidic devices.
Contributing to the development of new ways to diagnose, treat and understand antibiotic resistant infections, using novel optical techniques and microfluidic devices
Investigated the molecular biology of the bacterial stress response using techniques such as protein expression, purification, and crystallization, along with enzymatic and binding assays. Contributed to lab upkeep by maintaining and indexing stocks of plasmids and cell lines, managing ordering and inventories, and coordinating equipment upkeep and repair.
Collaborated with students, staff, and professors to ensure timely and accurate grading of weekly quizzes and exams for Organic Chemistry and Introductory Biology. Provided individualized feedback on assignments and identified and communicated common areas of confusion to improve curricula.
Mentored my peers in a variety of subjects, including Organic Chemistry, Bioinformatics, and Writing. Attended workshops on effective mentorship and communication.
Optimizing and applying purification/expression procedures in order to elucidate the cryo-EM structure of the RNAPol/MnTR/DNA complex involved in regulation of Mn2+ uptake and efflux in B. subtilis. This project culminated in successful purification of Bacillus Subtilis RNA polymerase which will then be used in my senior thesis.
Received a competitive NSF grant to participate in the MSU Microbiology Research Experience for Undergraduates. Initiated and co-designed a genetic knockout study for Antarctic environmental isolates, while contributing to purification of quorum-quenching proteins to fight disease, and field work exploring effects of deglaciation on microbial ecosystems.