PhD, Biology of Aging
University of Southern California
MS, Biological Sciences
Dominican University of California
BA, Molecular and Cell Biology
University of California, Berkeley
Scientific Training
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Laboratory of Dr. Lisa Ellerby
- Utilized human fibroblast culture, human iPSC-derived neurons, and mouse models for assessing the role of Oxidation Resistance 1 (OXR1) in regulating the endolysosomal network and cellular senescence in brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Developed laboratory platform for utilizing multi-electrode array to assess neuronal network phenotypes in vitro.
- Developed high-throughput screening platform for compound testing in vitro.
- Experimental skills: Mouse husbandry, in vivo memory and behavior analysis, perfusions, dissections, immunohistochemistry, iPSC maintenance and differentiation, immunocytochemistry, multi-electrode array, western blot, immunoprecipitation, ELISA, high-throughput screening, confocal microscopy, PCR, qRT-PCR, statistical analyses.
Doctoral Fellowship
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Laboratories of Dr. Pankaj Kapahi and Dr. Rachel Brem
- Utilized Drosophila melanogaster to screen for genetic variants influencing dietary restriction-mediated longevity and health, metabolomic changes, metabolic phenotypes, and other quantitative age-related traits.
- Performed fly husbandry and lifespan analysis as well as behavioral assessments such as phototaxis, chemotaxis, and geotaxis.
- Performed gene expression analysis at RNA and protein level.
- Validated genetic candidates via tissue- and temporal-specific gene overexpression or RNA interference.
- Experimental skills: Fly husbandry, lifespan analysis, sensory behavior analysis, genome-wide association study, western blot, PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning and plasmid designing, RNA interference.
Master's Researcher
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Laboratory of Dr. Pankaj Kapahi
- Utilized Drosophila melanogaster to assess tissue aging in response to genetic and dietary interventions.
- Performed intestinal- and excretory-specific gene perturbations for candidate gene phenotyping.
- Practiced sterile techniques for introducing specific bacterial cultures to the fly gut microbiome.
- Dissected specific tissues of the fly, including intestine, Malpighian tubule, and brain.
- Validated gene manipulations via RNA expression analysis.
- Experimental skills: Fly husbandry, lifespan analysis, dissection, PCR, qRT-PCR, RNA interference, bacterial culture.
Leadership and Service
Mentor (2023 - 2024)
Buck Institute Podium Pointers
- Advised all Buck trainees on methods to improve their oral presentations, both internal and external.
- Areas of advice included providing suggestions on speaking style, slide aesthetics, and presentation content.
- Mentorship team with Drs. Malene Hansen, Gordon Lithgow, and Gregory Chin.
Chair, Social Media Committee (2021 - present)
American Aging Association
- Plan and facilitate quarterly meetings with national team to strategize dispersal of opportunities and new discoveries within the field of aging research.
- Disseminate scientific information through the American Aging Association Twitter/X, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram accounts.
President, Postdoctoral Association (2021 - 2023)
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Led a team of postdoctoral scholars to organize activities for career growth and development and advocate for improved compensation.
- Chaired the founding committee for forming the Ventures in the Aging Landscape Symposium.
- Established Buck Individual Development Plans to improve postdoc career planning.
- Facilitated monthly meetings with the Buck Institute postdocs as well as separate meetings with Buck administrative team.
High School STEM Mentor (2021)
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Mentored four high school students and taught them about careers in STEM fields.
- Coordinated and led bi-weekly virtual meetings over the course of six months.
President, Graduate Student Society (2017 - 2019)
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Led a team of graduate students to organize activities for career growth and development.
- Chaired the founding committee for the Buck Student Aging Symposium.