Davis, California, United States
BIS 2C - Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity and the Tree of Life course. Spanning 11 Academic Quarters, including 2 summer session quarters. Lead biweekly three-hour labs that consisted of a lecture styled introduction to lab material, interactive stations component, and a concluding group discussion. Responsibilities also included grading all lab related assignments and proctoring all exams.
Research: Focused on understanding the regulatory mechanisms of the jasmonic acid signal transduction pathway of Arabidopsis thaliana with emphasis on understanding the regulatory role of the JAZ4 protein both broadly and specifically in regard to stomatal reopening during pathogenic immune response. Skills: Experimental design, RNA/DNA extraction, RT-qPCR, analysis, and interpretation of multi-Omic datasets (transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic), photo analysis, effective leaf surface area growth analysis, microscopy, data handling and analysis using R Studio and Microsoft Excel.
Biotech startup focused on early-stage research for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). - Designed and conducted in vitro experiments to study cellular mechanisms of retinal degeneration. - Collaborated with university partners and supported IRB documentation and compliance. - Analyzed experimental data and prepared research summaries for internal and academic review. - Coordinated to align research progress with company milestones.
Research: Assisted in taxonomic and phylogenetic research of multiple genera within the Polemoniaceae Family, working under Dr. Leigh Johnson. Quantified morphological traits and characteristics amongst closely related species. Collected and prepared plant specimens for long term storage in the herbarium’s private collection. Skills: Identifying plant species through dichotomous keys, collecting morphological phenotypic data, DNA extraction from herbarium specimens, maintaining and preparing herbarium specimens.
Research: Participated in the phenotypic analysis and sample collection of the Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) project within the recombinant inbred line (RIL) of Nicotiana attenuata under Dr. Ian Baldwin’s lab. Worked on establishing a whole plant protocol for measuring ethylene release upon herbivory activity of Manduca sexta larvae. Skills: Collecting morphological phenotypic data, handling frozen tissue samples, insect handling for experiments.
BIO 100 – Principles of Biology: Introductory course for general education students. Spanning 5 Academic Semesters. Aided in preparing lecture materials for designated instructor, prepared weekly review sessions, graded course homework and exams, and held office hours for an introductory biology course for non-biology major students.