Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
As a staff scientist in M. Ben Major's lab, I continued my previous postdoctoral work on characterizing a conditional mutant NRF2 mouse. Before leaving, I started drug studies to find therapeutics to target the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in cancer which resulted in a patent submission. Publication: TP53, CDKN2A/P16, and NFE2L2/NRF2 regulate the incidence of pure- and combined-small cell lung cancer in mice. Oncogene. June 2022. DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02348-0 Patent Application: September 2022 US-20220289686-A1 Besides my research, I was also responsible for managing ordering, organization of cells and DNA databases, and assisted in training new lab members. Additional Publications: Protein proximity networks and functional evaluation of the casein kinase 1 gamma family reveal unique roles for CK1γ3 in WNT signaling. Journal of Biological Chemistry 2022-06 DOI 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101986
During my postdoc with M. Ben Major, I focused my training on learning mass spectrometry sample preparation and analysis, specifically using IP and proximity labeling techniques for protein interaction determination. Using the skills gained in my graduate work, I continue to help manage a multi-group project developing and characterizing a novel genetically engineer NRF2 mouse, which resulted in a publication. Publication: A conditional mouse expressing an activating mutation in NRF2 displays hyperplasia of the upper gastrointestinal tract and decreased white adipose tissue. The Journal of Pathology. July 3 2020. DOI: 10.1002/path.5504 Lastly, I managed an IncuCyte Zoom and later an IncuCyte S3 wherein I helped train users and managed the instrument schedule for Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center users. Additional Publications: A Circle RNA Regulatory Axis Promotes Lung Squamous Metastasis via CDR1-Mediated Regulation of Golgi Trafficking. Cancer Research. November 15, 2020. DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-1162 Gain-of-function genetic screen of the kinome reveals BRSK2 as an inhibitor of the NRF2 transcription factor. Journal of Cell Science. January 1, 2020. DOI: 10.1242/jcs.241356
After graduate school, I was a postdoctoral fellow in Aaron Goldstrohm's lab at the University of Michigan in the Biological Chemistry Department. I was investigating the role of an RNA binding protein and long non-coding RNAs in cell proliferation and cell cycle. • Small RNA interference experiments • Cell Culture, Western Blotting, Immunoprecipitation • Oversaw laboratory safety and chemical hygiene management Publication: Identification of diverse target RNAs that are functionally regulated by human Pumilio proteins. Nucleic Acids Research. November 2017. DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1120
I was awarded my PhD in Brian Ross and Alnawaz Rehemtulla’s labs at the University of Michigan in the Biological Chemistry Department, where I studied the role of an apoptotic adaptor protein in a mouse model of lung cancer. I utilized small animal imaging to monitor tumor burden as well as histology and tissue culture to determine the affect of depleting this protein while simultaneously turning on an oncogene. I also assisted on a mouse model of pancreatic cancer which expressed a reporter for apoptosis. My experiences included: • Generating transgenic mouse models • Small animal imaging and handling: µCT and bioluminescent imaging of mice • Isolated, embedded, cut and stained/immunostained mouse lung tissue • Isolated and maintained mouse lung fibroblasts and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) • Used FACs analysis to determine cell cycle and cell death of MEF cells • Lenti and retrovirus propagation in HEK293T cells • Bioluminescent and fluorescent imaging of apoptosis and AKT reporters in cell culture • General cell culture, western blotting and PCR • Trained several undergraduates First authored publication: Phosphorylation of FADD by the kinase CK1α promotes KRASG12D-induced lung cancer. Science Signaling. January 27, 2015. Addition publication: Imaging proteolytic activity in live cells and animal models. PLoS One. June 11, 2013.
After I graduated from the University of Rochester, I worked as a Research Technician in Brian Ross and Alnawaz Rehemtulla’s labs. There I was responsible for maintaining tissue culture of various cancer cell lines, isolating mouse embryonic fibroblasts, genotyping PCRs for all animal lines in the lab, and I established databases for common reagents. I also initiated a study to determine the efficacy of a combination therapy for treating ovarian cancer utilizing a xenograft mouse model. • General cell culture, western blotting and PCR • Mouse handling, caring, drug administration, xenograft implantations and imaging • Established large databases for cell lines, antibodies, and plasmids for efficiency and convenience. • Trained several undergrads Publication: Molecular imaging reveals a role for AKT in resistance to cisplatin for ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Clinical Cancer Research. January 1, 2013.
During my undergraduate I worked as an Intern for John Zabrodsky at Advanced Manufacturing in Jamestown, NY. This was a great experience as I was exposed to different manufacturing sectors. I located potential contract manufacturers and hard to find parts for large scale manufacturing operations, specifically in the food sector. I also drafted SOPs and other informational packets for non-scientists on how antibodies could be used for a diagnostic kit.