My research goals are to elucidate the cellular mechanisms by which brain aging and age-related diseases occur. My current research in Dr. Lisa Ellerby's laboratory at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging focuses on understanding the role of the protein Oxidation Resistance 1 (OXR1) in regulating the retromer complex in the endolysosomal network. This complex regulates how endocytosed proteins and lipids are sorted for reuse rather than degradation, and holds importance for the prevention of toxic aggregates, synaptic dysfunction, and neuron survival. I utilize human fibroblasts, human iPSC-derived neurons, and mouse models to assess the mechanisms affected by retromer dysfunction and how retromer stabilization improves brain aging. As part of this, I aim to understand how external stimuli such as diet and disease influence endolysosomal trafficking and gene expression of endolysosomal components.

I now seek a faculty position at a research-intensive institution to study the potential of OXR1 as a therapeutic target for brain aging, discover the other regulators of the endolysosomal pathway, and identify pharmacological compounds which rescue damages caused by endolysosomal dysfunction and age-related diseases.

Dietary restriction is often shown as the most robust means to improve health and extend lifespan, but every individual responds to a dietary intervention in different ways. In my graduate research 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 disease and improve aging on a personalized level.

A key priority in my approach to science is developing my community and mentoring others to ensure everyone achieves success. I have 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

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.

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.