Hello everyone! I am a senior at Penn State majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I am also a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, so if there are any fellow McNair Scholars don’t be shy! I have been an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Melissa Rolls’ lab for about 2 years. I also had the pleasure of working with Dr. Megan Povelones at Penn State Brandywine. I am a neuroscientist at heart, but I have done research relating to mitochondria, and epigenetics. My current project deals with the levels of the transcription factors, Jun and Fos, in Drosophila (excuse the lack of italics here) neurons post stress triggers/trauma such as an axotomy. My past neuroscience projects include targeting G-proteins in search of microtubule disruption, and neuroprotection characterized by microtubule dynamics in Drosophila models of neurodegenerative disease.
I have presented at Penn State’s Undergraduate Exhibition (twice), the 25th Annual McNair Scholars Conference at UMBC, and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). I am currently applying to graduate school, and I recently became a mentor. I really enjoy mentoring, so I would be more than happy to help undergraduates who are just beginning to tread into the science world! I will begin a mentoring group and other outreach programs. Ask me anything!