Brief Resume
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Postdoctoral Fellow
Indiana University, Bloomington
Mentor - Dr. Joseph Bonanno
My work focuses on identifying the cellular mechanisms that are dysfunctional in congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy, a rare blinding disease.
2011 - 2017
Graduate student
University of Utah
Mentor - Dr. Paul Bernstein
I studied the biochemistry behind macular carotenoid synthesis and uptake. I identified a previously unknown function of the visual cycle enzyme, RPE65, in carotenoid metabolism.
2009 - 2011
Lab Technician
University of Illinois at Chicago
Mentor - Dr. Beatrice Yue
Identified the cellular processing of Optineurin and Myocilin, two glaucoma genes
Education
2011 - 2017
University of Utah |
Ph.D. Neurobiology and Anatomy
2007 - 2009
Roosevelt University |
B.S. Biology with Honors
Grants
2021 - 2026
National Eye Institute
2019 - 2021
Career starter grant
Knights Templar Eye Foundation
2018 - 2020
TL1 postdoctoral training grant
Indiana CTSI
2016 - 2017
T-32 Vision training grant
University of Utah
Awards and Honors
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Members in Training Outstanding Poster Award in Cornea, ARVO (2021)
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NEI Travel Grant, ARVO (2019)
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Graduate fellowship, University of Utah (2011-2017)
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Member of Franklin Honor Society for academic achievement, Roosevelt University, Chicago (2009)
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Departmental Honors – Department of Biology, Roosevelt University, Chicago (2009)
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Student Employee of the year – Roosevelt University, Chicago (2009)
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Student Excellence in Scientific Research Award – Roosevelt University, Chicago (2008)
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Awarded membership in Sigma Xi scientific research society (2008)
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Full tuition scholarship from Roosevelt University Honors Program (2007-2009)