Welcome! I'm a post doctoral scholar in Dr. Anny Zhou's lab at Harvard University. I recently finished my Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) at the University of California - Davis and UC Davis NHLBI T32 Program in Comparative Lung Biology and Medicine T32 Trainee. Where I worked in the lab of Dr. John Albeck, with additional mentorship from Dr. Amir Zeki M.D. My research primarily focuses on understanding the intricacies of temporal kinase signaling kinetics in lung epithelial inflammatory response to cytokines and regulation of barrier integrity. To delve into this complex subject, I leverage cutting-edge tools such as fluorescent biosensors and live cell imaging to observe live-cell kinase signaling dynamics with single-cell resolution.

Before completing my Ph.D., I obtained my Master of Science in Biology from California State University, Los Angeles under the supervision of Dr. Nathan Lanning. During that time, I developed a Leigh Syndrome cell model and explored the therapeutic potential of Adenylate Kinase 4. My research also ventured into the relationship between AK4, AMPK, and mTORC1 pathways, and their implications on cancer cell proliferation and energetic status.

My scientific exploration began at Baldwin Wallace University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry. I also performed undergraduate research involved studying the role of dietary fats, carbohydrates, and sugars (both modified and organic) on human acne pathogenesis with Dr. Jackie Morris.

In my research career, I've had the privilege to participate in clinical trial research at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, focusing on the use of patient-derived mesenchymal stem cells to slow the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. I also have experience in teaching, having served as a part-time lecturer at California State University, Los Angeles, where I guided laboratory classes and experiments for students.

Aside from experimental work, I've developed proficient coding skills in MATLAB, Python, R, and JavaScript, which I've used to develop image analysis processes and data handling systems. These skills have been instrumental in creating a data handling pipeline for the Albeck lab.

I plan on taking my skills an hope to run my own research lab in the future. 

In short, I am a passionate researcher and academic, dedicated to exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin human health and disease. My work is fueled by a deep-seated curiosity and a commitment to advance scientific knowledge for the betterment of human health. I look forward to continuing to delve into the unknown and sharing the fruits of my research with the scientific community and the world at large.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in numerous professional societies and leadership roles:

I am currently a member of the American Thoracic Society, which I joined in 2021, and I have taken on leadership roles within the UC Davis BMCDB Graduate Group, leading student recruitment efforts and serving as President of the TGIF program.

From 2020 to 2022, I had the honor of being a trainee in the UC Davis NHLBI T32 Program in Comparative Lung Biology and Medicine. Concurrently, I was also a Curriculum Leader for the Young Scientist Program, a role I took on after being a member from 2018 to 2022.

My commitment to scientific research and education was recognized when I received the Tracy & Ruth Storer Scholarship in 2018-2019. Earlier in my career, I served as a Fellow at the Baldwin Wallace University Center for Innovation and Growth from 2011 to 2013. I also played an active role in the STEM Fellowship, serving as a Leadership Council Member and a general member from 2010 to 2013.

Each of these experiences has enriched my scientific journey, providing opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and leadership. They have allowed me to contribute to the scientific community in diverse ways, beyond my individual research efforts, and I am grateful for each opportunity. I look forward to continuing to serve, learn, and grow within these and future roles.