I am an ambitious, hard working, team-oriented scientist on the cusp of completing a PhD in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, specializing in clinical microbiology with a focus on pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic E.coli. My educational journey as a first-generation college student spans a master’s degree and invaluable training experiences at renowned institutions such as UCSF, Genentech and NASA. Outside of working in the lab, I have gained practical work experience in clinical, hospital and educational settings, specifically as an adjunct Biological Sciences Professor and running an academic program for STEM students at UCSC called Matriculating, Influencing, Triumphing and Networking (MINT). Beyond this role, I serve now as a contractor for several organizations to support curating training programs for established scientists and those seeking to become scientists in the future. Beyond my science, I find fulfillment as a dancer, a pursuit that complements creativity, determination, and problem-solving abilities with my technical work.
Project Info:
PhD Thesis Project Title: Characterizing uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC) antimicrobial resistance (AMR) conferring mutations and effects on drug binding interactions of fluoroquinolones
Deliverables/Outcomes:
- Identified mutation(s) profiles, specifically Quinolone Determining Region (QRDR) mutations in uropathogenic E. from whole genome sequencing data of clinical isolates
- Tested frequently observed genotypes against unique fluroquinolone antibiotics spanning first, second, third and fourth generation, as well as novel compounds and other classes of antibiotics for antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- Established AMR phenotypes from these mutant profiles
- Tested which mutant profile(s) are driving AMR by creating clean background strains that only have unique mutations in QRDR regions, as clinical isolates have various other genetic elements that could be contributing to AMR phenotypes
- Created a data analysis pipeline and optimized every method used within this project
- Trained and managed the lab as co- lab manager, trained and mentored undergrads, technicians and junior graduate students
- Publications in progress from this work