Research assistant at Hofstra University with Dr. Johnson

I was able to make breakthroughs in achieving high-quality imaging using cheaper materials in a microscope. I had to be creative and have an in-depth understanding of DIC-microscopy such as light splitting, OPL gradients, polarization, etc. Being the only student in this project, I took the responsibility of performing trials to obtain the same diffraction using a polycarbonate bar under stress, making AutoCAD design, and implanting the final product into a microscope to gain a similar contrast level as the expensive prism. The results I founded demonstrated an inexpensive and easily adjustable alternative to quartz prisms.

Research assistant at Stony brook University at Life sciences with Dr. Kumar 

My project in this lab was to determine how IL-22Ra1 signaling regulates the function of Paneth cells and how Paneth cells, in turn, promote cell proliferation. In this lab, my responsibilities include lab procedures such as RNA isolation, mice dissection, genotyping, organoid culturing, etc. to find biological mechanisms. One of my expertise included preparing tissue for histology and immunostaining samples. Furthermore, I performed data analysis using LabChart to find a significant effect on Inflammatory bowel disease mechanisms based on distinctive genotype. Later on, I learned to design my project and wrote IRBs. I was able to write grants, papers, and presented poster presentations. With experience, I trained other students on the skills I obtained. I gained confidence in my work which taught me leadership skills. 

This project required collaboration with other labs to obtain data, showing me the value of teamwork and communications. My accompaniment was two publications that included the stained tissue sampled I worked on and the Crohn’s and colitis foundation grant I received to further my research study. It was encouraging to see my actions in the lab make an impact, which furthered my passion for evidence-based medicine and my desire to continue pursuing research.