I am originally from Novato, California in the San Francisco Bay Area and relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 2026. My research training has encompassed the topics of genetics, neuroscience, and metabolism in the context of the biology of aging. During my postdoctoral research in Dr. Lisa Ellerby's laboratory at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging identified the role of the protein Oxidation Resistance 1 (OXR1) in regulating the retromer complex in the endolysosomal network using iPSC-derived neurons, mouse models, and patient fibroblast lines.
During my graduate studies in the laboratory of Dr. Pankaj Kapahi and under the guidance of Dr. Rachel Brem, we used over 150 strains of Drosophila melanogaster to identify genetic variants relevant to human health which influence metabolism and longevity-related traits. Our work detailed that individual responses vary significantly across genotypes, including vast differences in lifespan, healthspan, metabolome, and metabolic traits in response to dietary restriction. All things considered, this detailed the importance of identifying how each individual's genetic background influences their response to dietary interventions to affect the aging process. This method, called 'precision nutrigeroscience,' is an important way to treat diseases and improve aging on a personalized level.
During my graduate studies in the laboratory of Dr. Pankaj Kapahi and under the guidance of Dr. Rachel Brem, we used over 150 strains of Drosophila melanogaster to identify genetic variants relevant to human health which influence metabolism and longevity-related traits. Our work detailed that individual responses vary significantly across genotypes, including vast differences in lifespan, healthspan, metabolome, and metabolic traits in response to dietary restriction. All things considered, this detailed the importance of identifying how each individual's genetic background influences their response to dietary interventions to affect the aging process. This method, called 'precision nutrigeroscience,' is an important way to treat diseases and improve aging on a personalized level.
Strengthening science through community and mentorship
A key priority in my approach to science is developing my community and mentoring others to ensure everyone achieves success. I served in leadership roles within the Buck Institute community to improve the career development of all Buck postdocs and graduate students. As part of this, I led the charge to utilize a standardized Individual Development Plan document for all postdocs to complete with their mentors on an annual basis to ensure career progression. I also started the annual Buck Student Aging Symposium (BSAS) and Ventures in the Aging Landscape (VITAL) Symposium to give all students and postdocs opportunities to present their research and build their collaborative networks.
In the laboratory, one of my greatest joys is mentoring others to help them achieve their goals. I take every opportunity to mentor other researchers, learn or help them identify their career pathway, teach them technical and non-technical skills, and help them expand their collaborative network. To date, I have formally mentored 19 people and helped them on their path. An essential aspect of this is ensuring that I create an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all to enjoy their experience so that they are confident in their path to success. #MentorFirst
In the laboratory, one of my greatest joys is mentoring others to help them achieve their goals. I take every opportunity to mentor other researchers, learn or help them identify their career pathway, teach them technical and non-technical skills, and help them expand their collaborative network. To date, I have formally mentored 19 people and helped them on their path. An essential aspect of this is ensuring that I create an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all to enjoy their experience so that they are confident in their path to success. #MentorFirst
Engagement with both scientific and non-scientific communities
As a researcher, I feel a sense of responsibility to ensure that I share my work responsibly and frequently to ensure that the public is accurately informed about the latest discoveries. I take it upon myself to present my work to the general public as often as I can. Keeping the public engaged is the most effective way to ensure the spread of accurate scientific information and stimulate excitement about the nature of our biological discoveries. Similarly, I have found that the online community is eager to hear updates on the science of aging. Following my 2024 study on OXR1 on brain aging, I engaged in a Q&A session on Reddit that garnered over 375,000 views and was shared externally over 600 times. I had the pleasure of responding to over 100 comments of stimulating discussion about the implications of this work and the next steps in my research. This enriching and engaging experience has ensured that I will continue to share my research online to share our interesting science.
Researchers find gene that is necessary for lifespan extension and neuronal benefits provided by dietary restriction
Reddit post in r/science
Within the scientific community, I thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to present my research at scientific conferences. I regularly attend conferences relating to aging and the neuroscience community. Through this and my previous research efforts, I have established an international collaborative network. I have also held an active role with the American Aging Association by leading their social media efforts. This includes promoting aging-related studies in the field and opportunities for career growth for those studying aging and age-related diseases. Among these is opportunities is the the AGE Early Career Scholars Program, which I have had the pleasure of promoting and have helped with awardee selection. Giving everyone the best opportunities to succeed through awards such as this are my top priority in engaging with the scientific community.
Education
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
Research Scientist, 2025
Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2019 - 2025
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, 2015 - 2019
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 2012 - 2014
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.