[email protected]
NIH PREP scholar, PROPEL scholar and junior specialist
Education:
B.S. in Biotechnology with a minor in Chinese - University of Nevada, Reno (2023)
Research Experience:
Dagda Lab, UNR: January 2021 - May 2023 I investigated targetable mechanisms of mitophagy pathways in order to search for possible therapeutics for mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. One of these targets was PINK1, a serine-threonine kinase that targets the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin to the OMM in order to promote mitophagy. Excitingly, our lab also found that PINK1 activation increases downstream BDNF signaling making it an attractive target for treating neurodegeneration.
Research Interests:
I am broadly interested in studying the role glia play in neurodegenerative diseases. However, I am particularly excited about how astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes work in conjunction with one another in different diseases states and how these interactions vary depending on the disease.
Interests:
I love weight lifting, enjoying beautiful views through hiking, and playing video games.