Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University CV Sample

Thesis: "Disrupted development: how maternal exposures alter embryonic brain formation via a novel choroid plexus apocrine secretion mechanism"

Relevant coursework: Discipline of Neuroscience, Cortical Neurodevelopment, Cellular Basis of Neuronal Function, Arduino for Neurobiologists, Quantitative Microscopy, Thinking about Data (Matlab), Talking about Science, Neuroendocrinology, Genetics, Immunology. HMX coursework: Novel Therapies for Chronic Inflammation, Vaccines and Viral Immunology

Summa Cum Laude with University Honors, 3.99 GPA

Relevant coursework: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry I&II, Inorganic Chemistry, Physics I&II, Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Neuroendocrinology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Epigenetics, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Child Psychology

Areas of investigation: developmental neurobiology, maternal-fetal interactions, psychedelics, cell biology

Project: My PhD research explores the impact of maternally administered psychedelics on fetal brain development and the Choroid Plexus (ChP)'s role in brain development through apocrine secretion, uncovering mechanisms that influence neurodevelopment and highlighting potential therapeutic and safety considerations for maternal substance use.

Areas of investigation: Neuroendocrinology, Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology

Project: Determine whether luteinizing hormone and its receptor are produced and distributed within the mouse brain. I used orthogonal approaches: constructing an in situ (HCR-FISH) and immunohistochemical atlas and utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing. I ultimately identified several exciting avenues of research that current PhD students in the lab are following.

Areas of investigation: Neuroimmunology, synaptic pruning, microglia

Project: I investigated the function of schizophrenia risk gene Csmd1 on synaptic pruning and cortical development using IHC, confocal microscopy, image processing and analysis.

Areas of Investigation: task fMRI, twin study, cognitive control, motivation, heredity

Project: Investigating the hereditary nature of human neural activation patterns in task fMRI to evaluate their viability as an endophenotype for schizophrenia. (tcsh, R, AFNI)

Disrupted Development: How Maternal Stressors Alter Embryonic Brain Formation via Choroid Plexus Secretion

Disrupted Development: How Maternal Stressors Affect Embryonic Brain Formation via Choroid Plexus Secretion

A Choroid Plexus Apocrine Secretion Mechanism Instructs Embryonic Brain Development

Signals Making a Splash: How the Choroid Plexus Harnesses Cerebrospinal Fluid for Developmental Communication.

A Choroid Plexus Apocrine Secretion Mechanism Modulates Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteome and Instructs Cortical Development.

A Choroid Plexus Apocrine Secretion Mechanism Modulates Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteome and Instructs Cortical Development

A Choroid Plexus Apocrine Secretion Mechanism Modulates Cerebrospinal Fluid Contents and Instructs Cortical Development

Signals Making a Splash: How the Choroid Plexus Harnesses Cerebrospinal Fluid for Developmental Communication.

Preparing for and Applying to Graduate School

Signals Making a Splash: How the Choroid Plexus Harnesses Cerebrospinal

Fluid for Developmental Communication

A Choroid Plexus Apocrine Secretion Mechanism Modulates Cerebrospinal Fluid Contents and Instructs Cortical Development

The Methodological Pursuit of Lived Experience

Improving Weight-Length Relationships in Fish to Provide More Accurate Bioindicators of Ecosystem Condition

• Conducted extensive scientific research to create engaging and informative content
• Produced compelling articles covering a diverse range of scientific topics, such as wastewater surveillance, ketogenic diet risks, and post-acute viral syndromes.
• Collaborated with editors and graphic designers to develop innovative and informative content that meets the highest standards of scientific journalism.

• Managed a team of 3 editors for a science publication
• Oversaw 5-6 publications/year, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality output.
• Conducted in-depth research and fact-checking to ensure the accuracy of all articles.
• Maintained a high standard of editorial excellence, adhering to strict guidelines and deadlines at all times.

• Adapted the Harvard undergraduate course "The Neurobiology of Behavior" into a fully online offering "Fundamentals of Neuroscience" on the EdX platform through HarvardX.
• Developed comprehensive and effective assessment materials, including tests and quizzes, to attain each unit's learning objectives.
• https://www.edx.org/learn/neuroscience/harvard-university-fundamentals-of-neuroscience-part-1-the-electrical-properties-of-the-neuron

• Developed and implemented innovative curricula, hands-on workshops, and homework assignments for 265 students as Head Teaching Fellow.
• Led and supervised a team of 14 Teaching Fellows, providing guidance and distributing weekly information on section topics, meetings, and grading.
• Taught and facilitated engaging and interactive classroom discussions, activities, and assessments in alignment with course objectives.
• Improved the overall quality of section courses through continuous evaluation, feedback, and improvement of teaching strategies and materials.
• Managed attendance and grading documentation, communication and concerns for course of 265 students.

• Demonstrated expertise in neurobiology as a Teaching Fellow for 2 years
• Developed and executed lesson plans for 75-minute weekly sections for 12-15 undergraduates
• Supported students through interactive teaching methods, including Zoom and in-person instruction and weekly office hours
• Collaborated with course instructors to create exams and grade problem sets
• Covered a range of topics, including neurobiology of perception, learning, memory, emotion, and neurologic disorders
• Fostered an inclusive learning environment that encouraged critical thinking and academic growth.

• Conducted 75-minute weekly sections for undergraduate students, utilizing Zoom platform to facilitate engagement and instruction.
• Developed and executed lesson plans for a comprehensive neuroscience course focused on the molecular, cellular, circuit, and behavioral aspects of the brain.
• Fostered productive relationships with students and provided support via scheduled office hours.
• Assessed and graded coursework, including exams, presentations, and written assignments.
• Successfully taught the course on two separate occasions.

• Mentored cohort of 12 undergraduate students by delivering comprehensive 75-minute lectures on electrical, molecular, and cellular processes of neurons.
• Maintained high engagement levels for remote learning by utilizing Zoom and other digital tools to foster dynamic and interactive class environments.
• Held weekly office hours to address student questions.
• Contributed to course materials by assisting in creating exams and problem sets.
• Explored topics including excitable membranes, neurotransmission, ion channels, dendritic integration, intracellular signaling, and synaptic plasticity in the context of real cells and brain circuits.

• Participated in the prestigious CDKL5 forum held at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge, MA on November 4-5, 2019.
• Actively documented proceedings by taking comprehensive notes during 5 distinct 90-minute topical breakout sessions.
• Synthesized notes into a high-quality report for forum leadership to distribute.

• Demonstrated proficiency in peer tutoring for an extensive range of subjects, including Pre-calculus, Calculus I, General Chemistry I and II, Physics I and II, Statistics, Organic Chemistry I and II, Inorganic Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biological Foundations, Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, General Psychology, Child Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Evolution.
• Employed active listening skills to identify and address students' academic needs and effectively communicate complex concepts to facilitate comprehension and retention.
• Collaborated with students to develop personalized learning strategies and study plans to optimize academic success.

• Assist Harvard's PhD Program in Neuroscience Admissions Committee by interviewing prospective students during recruitment weekend.
• Perform 40-minute interviews with recruits, assessing potential to thrive in PhD program
• Provide written recommendation for each student interviewed to admissions committee

• Advise the BHRI director on the overall goals and direction of the Institute
• Participate in annual Institute review, evaluating the progress of its flagship programs
• Consult and provide input on long-term planning for the Institute
• Mentor current students and recent Kent State graduates, offering exceptional career guidance and advice as necessary
• Generate suggestions for opportunities to collaborate with other organizations, to enhance the Institute's impact at local, national, and/or global levels
• Serve as a passionate advocate for the BHRI, effectively communicating fundraising needs and priorities to interested alumni and community leaders.

• Mentor post-baccalaureate students in GSAS Research Scholar Initiative program.
• Provide feedback on students' research presentations and scientific thinking skills.
• Offer proactive support throughout the program, including Zoom or in-person chats.
• Tailored mentoring for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies.

• Provided culturally aware mentorship to first-year PiN students as a peer mentor
• Training completed in mental health first aid, Title IX compliance, and accessing student resources across the University
• Organized panels on topics relevant to graduate school including rotations, choosing a lab, prequalifying exam preparation, and work-life balance
• Maintained a caseload of 4 mentees, ensuring consistent support and guidance throughout their academic journey

• Managed financial accounts and budget for USN, an organization committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for neuroscience scholars from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds at Harvard University.
• Secured funding from external sources and managed relationships with sponsors to ensure compliance with grant requirements and achieve financial sustainability.
• Monitored financial performance, prepared regular financial reports, and presented budget updates to the executive board.
• Collaborated with other officers to hold events and community-building activities that aligned with the USN's mission and goals.

• Provided underrepresented students 1-on-1 guidance throughout the PhD application process with a high success rate of applicants accepted into graduate school.
• Cultivated positive relationships with students, providing a supportive and encouraging environment throughout the application process.
• PhD Program application reviewer for one cycle (8 applications)
• NSF-GRFP application reviewer and consultant for two cycles (6 applications)
• Mock interviewer for PhD program interviews for three cycles (12 interviews)

• Mentored minoritized college students one-on-one through grad school admissions.
• Critiqued and revised application materials to ensure the strongest possible presentation of each candidate.
• Developed application timelines to keep students organized and on track.
• Conducted mock interviews to help students feel comfortable and confident during the real application process.

• Coordinated the peer mentor program for a 10-week summer program at Harvard Medical School, matching minoritized college students with suitable mentors to provide training and mentorship in scientific research.
• Led professional development events such as journal clubs and provided regular check-ins with students to ensure they were maximizing the available resources.
• Served as a direct research mentor to SHURP students in both 2021 and 2022, providing guidance and instruction on techniques, data collection, and preparation of abstracts, posters, oral presentations, and NSF proposals related to their research.
• Utilized effective communication and leadership skills to facilitate successful collaborations between SHURP students, peer mentors, and other program staff, resulting in the successful completion of research projects.

• Delivered engaging and informative lectures on neuroscience to sixteen middle school science classes across various locations including California, Washington, rural Virginia, and the UK, as a Visiting Classroom Scientist for Skype a Scientist.
• Facilitated personal connections between students and scientists, making science accessible and fun, while actively promoting the organization's mission.
• Shared interesting facts about the brain and diverse career paths in neuroscience, inspiring students to consider science as a viable career option.
• Demonstrated professionalism in all interactions with educators and students, ensuring a positive and memorable learning experience for all.

• Bartender/hostess for a range of upscale events: weddings, corporate dinners, parties, Poker games and tournaments

• Collaborate with students and parents to develop and refine a diverse range of application materials across various academic levels
• Facilitate preparation of application materials for boarding schools (middle and high school), college, college transfers, summer research internships, and graduate school
• Advise on strategies to enhance the competitiveness of application materials
• Offer line editing services to ensure clarity, coherence, and precision in written content
• Foster a supportive and empowering environment that enables students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.

• Demonstrated proficiency in bartending for 2.5 years (2017-2019) while consistently exceeding customer expectations and increasing sales volume.
• Utilized culinary skills to perform various tasks in the kitchen, including line cooking, oven operation, and food preparation.
• Exhibited excellent communication and customer service skills as a take-out staff, host, and server, delivering a positive and memorable dining experience.
• Maintained a flexible work schedule of approximately 30 hours per week while completing full time undergraduate coursework

• Ensured food safety, optimized labor and scheduling, and managed food cost and orders to meet franchise goals for sales, cleanliness, and service times.
• Led and motivated a high-performing team of employees to achieve exceptional results (best location in the franchise!).
• Maintained an average of 50 hours per week with a strong work ethic and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Effectively balanced multiple responsibilities and priorities, including managing inventory, supervising staff, and providing exceptional customer service (and, for one semester, a full time undergraduate courseload).
• Consistently exceeded performance expectations and contributed to maintaining a positive brand image through outstanding leadership and communication skills.