Syracuse, New York, United States
Biochemist working towards a dream career in research. My ultimate goal is to investigate the molecular basis for complex developmental deformities such as macrodactyly, which cause physical deformation to the hands and feet during pre-natal development. I earned a B.S. in Biochemistry with Distinction from Syracuse University, where I spent my time conducting research on the molecular basis of cellular tolerance to stress and disease. I recently joined the lab of Dr. Scott Neal at Upstate Medical University.
Completed research thesis, "The Role of Protein Assembly in Proteomic Desiccation Tolerance". Developed protocols to gather data on effects of protein aggregation on desiccation tolerance of yeast lysates. Worked alongside Graduate mentor to complete experiments, analyze data, and maintain efficiency through proper organization and communication. Gathering data on in-vitro effects of desiccation on yeast proteome, with focus on roles of IDPs and interacting agents on protein resolubility. Growing yeast in liquid culture, extracting lysates from cells using cryogrinding techniques. Performing desiccation-rehydration experiments on yeast lysates, analyzing contents of lysates throughout process using protein binding and fluorescence assays.
Peer Mentor for the Biology Peer Mentoring Program at SU. First year students in the Biology Department enroll in the 1-credit BIO 100 course, where they meet once a week for discussion sessions with their assigned mentors. Mentors create connections with their students throughout the semester, helping them adjust to new university life and plan their undergraduate career (and beyond) in Biology.
Express Volunteering; answering calls from various units around the hospital and running errands to improve patient and visitor care. Errands include tasks such as escorting visitors and patients receiving outpatient care, delivering supplies and patient belongings from one unit to another, transporting stat lab specimens and blood bank requests, delivering mail, gifts, and flowers, and other tasks that Express Volunteers are qualified to assist with. Meds-to-Beds Pharmacy Volunteering; increasing efficiency of hospital pharmacy by transporting prescriptions from the pharmacy to correct hospital unit, where Charge Nurse/Pharmacy Technician accepts items from volunteer upon arrival.
Transport; Working alongside the hospital's transport team in handling patients and materials. This includes wheelchair transports for inpatient discharges, and transport of lab specimens from several units to the hospital's laboratory. Patient Aide; Helping to make the patient experience on the floor more comfortable and helping staff to do their roles more efficiently. This includes tending to post-surgical patients, particularly those recovering in the Orthopedic unit, answering call bells and addressing their needs/concerns to the best of my ability, transporting patients who are ready for discharge to lobby, restocking items like patient gowns, blankets, and gloves for each patient room when needed, transporting items between units such as lab samples or clean linen. Occasionally, other clerical/housekeeping tasks are carried out as needed.