Temperature plays a critical role in shaping physiological processes and behaviors, influencing everything from chemical reactions and biomolecule activity to species distribution. For disease vectors like mosquitoes, temperature cues are essential in regulating survival, reproduction, and host-seeking behaviors. These insects share thermosensory mechanisms with fruit flies, making Drosophila melanogaster an ideal model for studying temperature sensing due to its rich genetic toolkit.
One receptor, GR28B(D), a key component in temperature avoidance, remains poorly understood. While fruit flies and mosquitoes use similar receptors for thermosensation, the specific molecular mechanisms driving the GR28B(D) receptor’s response to temperature changes are not yet clear. My research aims to uncover the detailed molecular basis of temperature sensing by focusing on GR28B(D).
I plan to identify critical protein domains and amino acids involved in temperature detection using a combination of genetic manipulation, electrophysiology, advanced imaging, and behavioral analysis. My work will advance our understanding of how temperature influences sensory processes in Drosophila and related insect species. Ultimately, I hope this research will provide valuable insights into controlling vector-borne diseases.
Research Experience
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Sep 2020 – Aug 2022
Laboratory Technician
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg VA
Ni Lab, School of Neuroscience
Supervisory Experience: Train all new undergraduates, graduates, postdocs and staff in Drosophila care, genetics and experimental protocols.
Project: Behavioral experiments to determine Drosophila model species for temperature sensing, using CRISPR to create chimeric flies that can be used to understand molecular mechanisms for temperature sensing.
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Jan 2015 – Jul 2020
Laboratory Manager
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA
Dickinson Lab, The Division of Biology and Biological Engineering
Supervisory Experience: Interview, hire, train, and supervise all new staff in the lab. Monitor the progress of lab members and facilitate smooth operations by conducting regular meetings/check-ins. Experience working/collaborating with all levels of personnel from grad students to faculty to senior management.
Managerial Experience: Responsible for setting up, organizing and maintaining operational support for the lab. Training all new lab members regarding Drosophila maintenance and experimental protocols. Advising all lab members with their projects, responsible for lab purchases, budgeting and fiscal support. Coordinating all lab-related events and schedules, including symposiums. As a Lead administrator in a multi-million dollar NIH grant spanning seven institutes, I facilitated correspondence between all Principal Investigators and their lab and organizing biennial multi-day symposiums.
Projects: Researching the role of shakB gene in Drosophila flight muscles. Leading research about the differences in the functional anatomy of tonic versus phasic flight muscles in Drosophila using electron microscopy.
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May 2016 – Jul 2016
Building Coordinator/Emergency Responder
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA
Beckman Behavior Biology Building
Liaison between the building occupants and emergency first responders during evacuations and emergency situations
Assist safety drills and ensure that labs follow required safety protocols
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Mar 2013 – Dec 2014
Research Technologist I
University of Washington, Seattle WA
Dickinson Lab, Department of Biology
Conducted research on synaptic connection between vertical system cells in lobula plate of the optic lobe with octopaminergic neurons in the Drosophila brain
Maintained responsibilities of lab assistant
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Nov 2011 – Mar 2013
Student Lab Assistant
University of Washington, Seattle WA
Dickinson Lab, Department of Biology
Assist in performing genetic crosses with Drosophila, dissecting, and preparing fly brains and thoracic ganglia for analysis. Also performed immunofluorescence staining protocols, preparing chemical solutions, and performing confocal microscopy
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Aug 2024
Graduate Student Panel
Graduate Teaching Assistant Workshop
Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA
Served on panel discussion to answer questions from students regarding various aspects of being a GTA or graduate school
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Nov 2023- Present
Advisory Committee
Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning(CIRTL)
Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA
Provide vital perspectives and guidance on recently launched Associate Badge Program
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Aug 2023- Aug 2024
Treasurer
Central Virginia Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience, Blacksburg VA
Manage an annual meeting in Spring of 2024
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Nov 2023
Reviewer
Graduate and Professional Student Senate Travel Fund Program
Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA
Reviewed applications for the Winter 2023 travel cycle
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Oct 2022 – Present
Family Council
Ready Region Southwest, United Way of Southwest Virginia, VA
Ready Regions are responsible for on-the-ground coordination and integration of essential early childhood care and education (ECCE) services and resources
Served as parent advisory board and on-call media relations
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Jun 2018 – Jul 2020
Group Fitness Instructor–Zumba
YMCA, South Pasadena CA
San Marino, South Pasadena YMCA branch
Instruct Zumba classes of 20-30+ students
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Aug 2017 – Jul 2020
Zumba Instructor
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA
Caltech Braun Athletic Center
Instruct a weekly Zumba class of 20+ students
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Jun 2010 – Nov 2011
Volunteer
University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle WA
ICU Assistant, 160+ Hours
Duties included observing medical procedures, assisting nurses with new admits, turns and dressing changes, restocking and maintaining bedside and isolation carts, room set up and stripping, ordering materials, answering phones and managing the front desk
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Mar 2010 – Jun 2010
Volunteer
University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle WA
Patient Escort, 65+ Hours
Assisted medical staff, discharged patients, and specimen deliveries