Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Graduate student in the Oakes Lab in the Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology Academic Track: Biochemistry, Molecular and Cancer Biology - Led an independent research project investigating the biochemical and mechanical pathways governing the localization of septins, a critical protein in various cellular processes and pathologies. - Optimized all aspects of an optogenetics protocol, from molecular cloning of the probes, their expression within cells and microscope laser setting to reliably achieve spatiotemporal control of protein localization within cells. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37348811/) - Analyzed large datasets of cellular images using Fiji ImageJ and Filament Tracker, extracting quantitative measurements of protein dynamics. - Interpreted complex biological data using Python, GraphPad Prism, MS Excel and Adobe Illustrator, generating statistical analyses and visualizations to support research conclusions. - Provided critical experimental and analytical support to research projects focused on cytoskeletal mechanobiology , contributing to two middle-author publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38353656/) - Selected to present research findings at multiple local and national conferences like Chicago Cytoskeleton, Toledo CellulART and ASCB CellBio. - Maintained and troubleshooted a Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope, ensuring optimal performance for advanced cellular imaging experiments. - Trained and mentored high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as research associates, contributing to the growth of the research team.
Areas of Expertise: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology - Ensured 100% on-time delivery of scientifically accurate and highly readable manuscripts by providing meticulous editing for clarity, grammar, and style. - Leveraged a strong understanding of diverse scientific concepts, therapeutic areas, and disease states to enhance manuscript content and context. - Maintained strict adherence to journal guidelines, ensuring compliance for successful manuscript submissions. - Effectively managed multiple simultaneous projects, prioritizing tasks and deadlines to consistently deliver high-quality edited manuscripts. - Consistently achieved top-tier internal Quality Index (QI) ratings, demonstrating a commitment to excellence.
- Collaborate with Dr. Melissa Bates, Professor at the University of Iowa. - Aid in the development and execution of a protocol to study the effect of neonatal supplemental oxygen and high fat diet on weight gain, ventricular hypertrophy and contractility in premature infants using rat models. - Coordinate with other research assistants to carry out general maintenance tasks in the lab for 5+ hours a week. - Present research at various scientific meetings like the Experimental Biology (2017) in Chicago and 21st Annual Iowa Physiological Society Meeting in Des Moines. - Written and oral presentations of an Honors Thesis in the Department of Health and Human Physiology at the University of Iowa.
- Provide assistance to 50+ students living in the residence hall on an hourly basis. - Issue mail and packages, check in new residents, and resolve maintenance issues in the residence halls and maintain an inventory of 500+ articles available on rent from MayCo. - Serve as a liaison between Hall coordinators, maintenance staff and students. - Train and orient new desk clerks.