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 - present
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
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.