Research Experiences
Histone Methylation and it's Effect on Splicing
My final undergraduate research project was under the instruction of Dr. Tracy Johnson and Calvin Leung at the University of California, Los Angeles as part of the Bruins In Genomics summer research internship. As part of this program, I participated in a two-week intensive learning the basics of multiple programming languages and computer programs, as well as a crash course on the variety of computational techniques used to manipulate RNAseq and ChiPseq data. Then, I applied bioinformatics analysis procedures to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast genome to study the effects of histone methylation on gene splicing. The goal was to determine the link between an H3K36 methylation mutation and the up or down regulation of splicing mediated genes. I also sought to compare these splicing efficiency changes to other mutants known to affect splicing, such as the prp-43 mutant. I was selected to present these findings at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in Tampa, Florida 2016. Each research project challenged me with a new way to solve problems, answer questions, and ultimately fuel my curiosity to learn more. Through each new project, my desire to obtain my graduate degree was reaffirmed as I tackled a variety of experimental techniques, consulted with other scientists, and communicated my results.
My final undergraduate research project was under the instruction of Dr. Tracy Johnson and Calvin Leung at the University of California, Los Angeles as part of the Bruins In Genomics summer research internship. As part of this program, I participated in a two-week intensive learning the basics of multiple programming languages and computer programs, as well as a crash course on the variety of computational techniques used to manipulate RNAseq and ChiPseq data. Then, I applied bioinformatics analysis procedures to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast genome to study the effects of histone methylation on gene splicing. The goal was to determine the link between an H3K36 methylation mutation and the up or down regulation of splicing mediated genes. I also sought to compare these splicing efficiency changes to other mutants known to affect splicing, such as the prp-43 mutant. I was selected to present these findings at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in Tampa, Florida 2016. Each research project challenged me with a new way to solve problems, answer questions, and ultimately fuel my curiosity to learn more. Through each new project, my desire to obtain my graduate degree was reaffirmed as I tackled a variety of experimental techniques, consulted with other scientists, and communicated my results.
RalR Endonuclease : A novel protein
While I enjoyed the analytical techniques and direct consumer application of the coffee project, I longed for project in biomedicine. I transitioned to molecular biology research under the direction of Dr. Christina Bourne where I conducted a McNair research project focused on toxin/antitoxin systems. I focused on RalR endonuclease, a 65 amino acid protein about which very little is known and was recently found to rapidly cleave DNA in a nonspecific manner. I sought to determine the protein folding, cleavage mechanism, and cation affinity of RalR. During this project, I learned many important laboratory skills such as western blots, designing polymerase chain reaction amplifications, bacterial mutagenesis, and numerous gel electrophoresis techniques. I presented my preliminary results and new thread of questions for future research at a regional McNair conference in Texas.
While I enjoyed the analytical techniques and direct consumer application of the coffee project, I longed for project in biomedicine. I transitioned to molecular biology research under the direction of Dr. Christina Bourne where I conducted a McNair research project focused on toxin/antitoxin systems. I focused on RalR endonuclease, a 65 amino acid protein about which very little is known and was recently found to rapidly cleave DNA in a nonspecific manner. I sought to determine the protein folding, cleavage mechanism, and cation affinity of RalR. During this project, I learned many important laboratory skills such as western blots, designing polymerase chain reaction amplifications, bacterial mutagenesis, and numerous gel electrophoresis techniques. I presented my preliminary results and new thread of questions for future research at a regional McNair conference in Texas.
The Molecular Gastronomy of Coffee
I began my research exposure in a chemistry lab assisting Dr. Ronald Halterman on a study of the molecular gastronomy of coffee. Through this experience I mastered standard chemical lab procedures and advanced spectral analysis techniques. We began by using chemical purification protocols and mass spectrometry to analyze how flavonoid quantities changed over time as the coffee degraded after grinding. For my independent project, I applied the same techniques to determine how brewing temperature affected the flavonoid composition of coffee. I chose this project due to the importance in consumerism and coupled the different testing temperatures with the popular coffee makers and companies. I was able to present my findings during the Undergraduate Research Day poster presentation.
Read Press Release here: http://www.oudaily.com/news/freshman-students-to-present-posters-from-first-year-research-experience/article_e9c93238-eab6-11e4-9202-cf8d1dcfba59.html
I began my research exposure in a chemistry lab assisting Dr. Ronald Halterman on a study of the molecular gastronomy of coffee. Through this experience I mastered standard chemical lab procedures and advanced spectral analysis techniques. We began by using chemical purification protocols and mass spectrometry to analyze how flavonoid quantities changed over time as the coffee degraded after grinding. For my independent project, I applied the same techniques to determine how brewing temperature affected the flavonoid composition of coffee. I chose this project due to the importance in consumerism and coupled the different testing temperatures with the popular coffee makers and companies. I was able to present my findings during the Undergraduate Research Day poster presentation.
Read Press Release here: http://www.oudaily.com/news/freshman-students-to-present-posters-from-first-year-research-experience/article_e9c93238-eab6-11e4-9202-cf8d1dcfba59.html
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