Miami, Florida, United States
I am a PhD Candidate in Neuroscience at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, driven by a commitment to bridging the gap between innovative research and life-changing clinical therapies. My current work explores the neuroprotective and neuro-reparative potential of human Schwann cell-derived exosomes in the context of Traumatic Brain Injury, a project that sits at the intersection of regenerative medicine and acute neurotrauma. My journey in the life sciences has been defined by a desire to understand complex biological systems and translate that knowledge into scalable solutions. Before returning to academia, I spent two years at Bristol Myers Squibb within the CAR T-cell therapy manufacturing department. This experience gave me a front-row seat to the complexities of cell therapy production and the rigorous standards required to bring cutting-edge treatments to patients. With a background spanning Biotechnology and environmental soil restoration, I pride myself on a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Beyond the lab, I am an advocate for leadership and service, having served as Vice President of Service for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I am always looking to connect with professionals in Medical Science Liaison roles, Life Science Consulting, and Research & Development roles in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.
Lead Researcher: Spearheading a doctoral thesis investigating the neuroprotective and neuro-reparative effects of human Schwann cell-derived exosomes (hSC-Exos) for the treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Methodology & Innovation: Developing and optimizing protocols for exosome isolation, characterization (NTA, Western Blotting), and functional assays to evaluate cellular recovery in the central nervous system. Funding & Strategy: Authored and managed an NIH F31 grant application, demonstrating a high level of technical writing, strategic project planning, and alignment with federal research priorities. Scientific Communication: Selected to present research findings at premier international conferences, including the National Neurotrauma Symposium Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams across the Miller School of Medicine to integrate proteomics and imaging data into longitudinal TBI studies.
Executed end-to-end manufacturing processes for autologous CAR T-cell therapies in a high-throughput, clinical-stage GMP environment. Performed complex aseptic cell culture techniques, including T-cell activation, viral transduction, expansion, and cryopreservation. Collaborated with Cross-Functional teams (Quality Assurance, MS&T, and Supply Chain) to ensure the timely delivery of life-saving treatments to patients. Maintained rigorous documentation standards (Electronic Batch Records) and adhered to strict SOPs to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance. Participated in process improvement initiatives to optimize cellular yields and reduce manufacturing deviations.
Led a translational research project investigating the therapeutic potential of repurposing Niclosamide for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme. Developed and executed an experimental pipeline utilizing GL261, U87, and MG cell lines to evaluate drug efficacy on cell survival and the tumor microenvironment. Established dose-response curves via MTT colorimetric assays to quantify cell viability and determine optimal therapeutic concentrations. Characterized drug impact on inflammatory signaling using quantitative PCR to analyze the transcriptional expression of IL-1, CXCL10, and the TGF-β axis. Demonstrated professional resilience and technical autonomy by successfully managing project milestones during COVID-19 laboratory restrictions, optimizing workflows to fit strict 2-hour weekly bench-time limits
Facilitated the seamless transition of prospective students from 2-year community colleges to Kean University by providing expert guidance on credit equivalencies and degree requirements. Conducted comprehensive transcript audits to determine transferable credits, ensuring students maximized their previous academic work and minimized time-to-degree. Served as a primary university representative, delivering presentations to diverse student groups regarding academic majors, campus resources, and institutional value propositions. Developed and maintained strong relationships with community college advisors to streamline the recruitment pipeline and clarify transfer pathways. Demystified complex institutional policies for students, helping them navigate the administrative and academic hurdles of the transfer process
Institutional Representation: Served as a primary point of contact for prospective students and families, providing high-level administrative support and representing the university’s mission and academic value. Public Speaking & Communication: Conducted comprehensive campus tours for groups of up to 30+ individuals, effectively communicating campus history, academic programs, and student life to diverse audiences. Stakeholder Engagement: Managed high-volume inquiries via phone and email, providing clear and concise guidance on complex admissions requirements, application timelines, and enrollment procedures. Relationship Management: Acted as a liaison between prospective applicants and the admissions committee, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for all stakeholders. Problem Solving: Addressed sensitive or technical concerns regarding the application process, requiring a deep understanding of institutional policy and a calm, professional demeanor.
Directed a cross-continental study evaluating biochemical restoration kinetics in rice paddy soils to optimize agricultural sustainability and soil health. Developed and validated restorative protocols through a pilot study in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, analyzing synergistic interactions between Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and organic matter. Successfully scaled research operations to agricultural fields in Gong’an County, China, utilizing multi-depth analysis to determine precise treatment parameters. Disseminated high-level findings through invited oral and poster presentations at premier scientific venues, including: American Chemical Society National Meeting, Orlando, FL McNair Scholars Symposium, Kean University (Invited Oral Presentation) Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Rutgers University Demonstrated technical autonomy in executing complex experimental pipelines and managing international research data.
Strategic Leadership: Elected to oversee the service portfolio for the chapter, managing community outreach initiatives and coordinating large-scale volunteer efforts. Project Management & Logistics: Successfully organized and executed multiple community-driven events, including two-week food drives for the Community Food Bank and a five-day intensive children's science curriculum for Camp Invention. Stakeholder Collaboration: Partnered with external organizations such as the Community Blood Center to lead bi-annual blood drives, resulting in successful donor recruitment and supply contributions. Fundraising & Humanitarian Aid: Spearheaded international relief campaigns, including a 3-month fundraiser for Syrian refugees and a targeted collection drive for disaster relief in Haiti, managing both financial donations and logistics for physical goods. Community Engagement: Directed environmental and public health initiatives, ranging from local park restoration projects to multi-day health and wellness drives.