Middletown, Connecticut, United States
Biomedical Scientist | Molecular Biology | RNA Biology | Neuroscience Innovative and detail-oriented biomedical scientist with expertise in molecular biology, RNA biology, and neuroscience. Extensive experience in mRNA stability, post-transcriptional regulation, and translational control mechanisms, with a strong background in next-generation sequencing (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ribosome profiling), bioinformatics, and advanced cell culture techniques. Pioneered the development of Roadblock-qPCR, a widely adopted method for measuring mRNA stability in RNA research. Highly skilled in experimental design, protocol development, and data analysis, with a proven track record of leading research projects, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Passionate about applying scientific expertise to biotech innovation and translational research, driving discoveries that bridge fundamental science and real-world applications. Seeking opportunities in biotech or pharmaceutical research to leverage technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership experience.
As a molecular biologist in the lab, I conduct experiments pertaining to the role of mTORC1 in the stability of mRNA and translation using advanced molecular biological techniques like qPCR, RNA-seq, SLAM-seq, western blotting, Co-IP, among many others. I also helped develop a new way to measure mRNA decay of single targets, Roadblock-qPCR, published by the lab. My role in the lab has been to conceptualize and conduct experiments, perform data analysis, present data in the form of research talks and posters, and mentor colleagues in the lab and department.
My thesis work used human induced pluripotent stem cells and iPSC-derived neurons to look at the epigenetic effects that are linked to a SNP in exon 5 of GABRA2, a SNP commonly associated with alcoholism.
Starting out as a technician, my time soon became more devoted to doing research for my own project. I looked at Pseudomonas aeruginosa and colonization on lung epithelial cells. P. aeruginosa catabolizes phosphatidylcholine, which is found in lung surfactant. Breakdown of lung surfactant, especially in cystic fibrosis patients, is very detrimental. I used coculture systems of bacteria and human lung epithelial cells to assess toxicity of certain strains of bacteria and also mechanisms of colonization in these environments.