Birmingham, Alabama, United States
As a neuroscientist, I am inspired to unravel novel biomarkers and understand the biological mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders at the cellular and molecular level for the purpose of therapeutic interventions. I have 15 years of solid research experience in cell and molecular biology; especially disease modeling, cell culture, proximity-labeling, protein aggregation, and cell biology of neurodegeneration. My recent research involves assessing blood-based biomarkers in combination with other patient tissues for Parkinson’s disease. Further, I am pushing boundaries to generate disease models that recapitulate pathology of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Being an independent researcher, I am flexible to challenging and demanding atmosphere. Driven by curiosity, I want to dedicate my scientific career to translate the knowledge gained by basic research into potential therapy for neurodegenerative disorders.
Disease modeling using patients' skin tissues to study protein aggregation implicated in the etiology and pathogenesis of dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
At the Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, I focus on understanding and unraveling novel molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation in situ associated with neurodegenerative diseases using cryo-correlative light electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM), cryo-electron microscopy/tomography (cryo-EM/ET), and integrative modeling.
At the department of Molecular Biology, I focused on making novel cell-models to study and unravel molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
- awarded DAAD scholarship for 3.5 years to pursue PhD in Germany - investigated the neurotoxicity of synucleins in the context of neurotransmitter dopamine - designed and established a novel dopaminergic primary neuronal cell-model - improved the analytical detection of catecholamines using HPLC - collaborated with NMR team for an interdisciplinary approach - supervised and mentored a Master´s thesis and trained 2 students in their lab-rotation - conducted regular meetings and reviews to ensure high-ranked publications - authored 4 research publications, out of which 2 were first authored and 2 were co-authored.
Represented the Research sub-group of the second annual newsletter of Göttingen Graduate school for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB)