Santa Monica, California, United States
PhD candidate in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, focused on cystic fibrosis and novel antibiotic therapies for nontuberculosis mycobacterial pulmonary disease. I combine benchtop research with PK/PD and PBPK modeling to support dose optimization and translational insights. As a DMPK intern at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, I applied PBPK modeling in Simcyp to inform first-in-human dosing strategies and am skilled in Phoenix WinNonlin, ADAPT, and R for data analysis and visualization. My academic and industry experience is reinforced by strong project management, cross-functional collaboration, and technical writing skills. Combined with foundational regulatory science knowledge and experience supporting clinical study compliance, I am well-prepared to communicate complex data across teams and contribute to data-driven decision-making in drug development.
I am currently a fourth-year graduate student in Dr. Paul Beringer's lab researching multipronged targeting of antibiotic therapy for nontuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). Using an integrated translational approach combining in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and clinical methodologies, I evaluate current antibiotics and novel agents for efficacy against Mycobacterium abscessus (MABS) infections in CF. My work includes characterizing antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity using traditional bacterial assays, 2D and complex 3D cell culture models, and murine models, alongside pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses using clinical trial data. This research aims to enhance the translational relevance of preclinical models, investigate drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, bridge gaps to clinical application, and accelerate the development of targeted, effective treatments for resistant pulmonary infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes and informing evidence-based care.
Under the direction of Dr. Ben Kuzma, I evaluated and implemented PBPK modeling approaches in Simcyp to improve volume of distribution predictions for pipeline compounds and support first-in-human dosing strategies. I communicated modeling results and rationale to scientists across DMPK and related functions to inform internal dose selection strategies and assess the feasibility of modeling approaches.
For three years, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant at the Innovative Genomics Institute. Under the direction and supervision of Professor Jamie H. D. Cate, Dr. Fred Ward, and Dr. Chandrima Majumdar, I supported projects focused on expanding the ribosome's capacity to incorporate non-natural amino acids. I contributed to three key projects: genetic modifications to ribosomal protein S1 for orthogonal translation, biosynthesis of 4-thiouridine-modified tRNA for fluorescent labeling and dynamic experiments, and synthesis of 3'-aminoacyl-NH-tRNAs to improve cryo-EM structures of ribosomes in complex with charged unnatural amino-acid monomers. Through this work, I developed a broad set of molecular and cell biology techniques, gained experience designing and troubleshooting experiments, and grew into an independent researcher, solidifying my decision to pursue a career in research.
As a pharmacy technician in a high-volume retail setting, I supported pharmacists by accurately calculating dosages, filling prescriptions for pharmacist approval, and managing medication inventory. I regularly resolved prescription issues by accessing and interpreting patient and prescriber information, verifying drug selection, and navigating insurance billing. I also worked directly with patients to provide timely and compassionate customer service while ensuring compliance with pharmacy regulations. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I served as an essential healthcare worker, helping maintain access to critical medications and supporting the community during an unprecedented public health crisis.
In my role with the UC Berkeley Office of the Registrar, I was responsible for overseeing after-hours general assignment classroom usage, resetting classroom furniture, inspecting and documenting classroom maintenance issues. I also served as an informational resource on classroom and campus policies, helping faculty, staff, and students navigate space usage and procedures effectively.