Boston, Massachusetts, United States
I am a recent Ph.D. graduate in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a strong background in next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, particularly applied to patient samples. My expertise lies in single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing of autopsy brain tissues and peripheral blood immune cells.
Teaching Genetics (BIO 274) and Genetics Lab (BIOL 274).
Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology Dissertation: Single-cell transcriptomics profiling of Alzheimer's disease pathology in asymptomatic individuals across brain and leptomeninges. In my PhD studies at Boston University, I have focused extensively on understanding Alzheimer’s disease at a molecular level. I utilized novel Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques like single-nuclei RNA-sequencing to examine transcriptional changes in the brains and leptomeninges tissues of asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease individuals, aiming to uncover underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. I've analyzed single-nuclei RNA-seq data using R. To validate these transcriptomics results, I employed protein-level analyses using immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and western blotting on brain samples. Additionally, I explored transcriptional changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Alzheimer’s disease patients through single-cell RNA-sequencing with immune profiling. My work also involved culturing primary cells, such as PBMCs, and performing techniques like T cell isolation, T cell activation, and monocyte activation. Furthermore, I optimized and troubleshoot extensive protocols for next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample and library preparation, specifically tailored for single-cell/nuclei RNA and ATAC sequencing of autopsy brain and leptomeninges tissues, as well as primary cells like PBMCs.
Led discussion classes for Genetics and Advanced Genetics.
I worked in two different labs on basic molecular techniques to investigate the role of the extracellular matrix in disease and the mediator complex's role in breast cancer. I conducted research on mediator complex subunit protein expression using plasmid-based bacterial cloning, protein expression in Sf9 cell cultures, and performed protein assays such as western blotting. Additionally, I trained other undergraduate students in these laboratory techniques.