Research Projects

Experimental Research & Data Analysis

A compilation of academic research endeavors spanning the biological and psychological sciences. These projects demonstrate rigorous experimental design, application of laboratory protocols, and the translation of complex datasets into actionable research findings.

Quantitative Research Paper

Project: The Role of Social Support in Mitigating PTSD-Related Sleep Disturbances.

• Overview: Designed a 2x2 factorial study to investigate how social support moderates the relationship between PTSD severity and sleep quality.
• Analysis: Utilized R Studio for factorial ANOVA; analyzed interactions between severity and support.
• Coursework: Research Methods in Psychology: PSYC 3111
• Download Full APA Paper

Laboratory Posters & Research Experience

Phage Genomics Laboratory

• Context: Discovery-based research from environmental sample to genomic characterization.
• Discovery: Successfully isolated and characterized bacteriophage Herculean.
• Role: Student Researcher & Phage Assistant.
• Coursework: Phage Genomics Laboratory: MCDB 1161
• Official Database: Herculean Phage Entry (PhagesDB)

Cell Biology Laboratory

• Context: Investigated DNA damage repair pathways in Tetrahymena thermophila.
• Role: Lead Researcher on JHP gene expression analysis.
• Coursework: Biology of the Cancer Cell: MCDB 3150

MCDB Skills Center: Modular Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Biology Skills

Context: Intensive 4-credit modular research certification focused on mastering modern molecular biology techniques through a "learning by doing" approach.
Role: Student Researcher & Lab Technician.
Coursework: MCDB 3456
Official Program: MCDB SkillsCenter

• Technical Proficiency: Completed a targeted curriculum of wet-lab and computational modules, including qPCR, DNA extraction, and bioinformatics data analysis.
• Competency Validation: Successfully completed all Module Method Tasks (MMTs) to obtain certifications, demonstrating high technical accuracy.
• Research Workflow: Managed self-directed research, including independent instrument scheduling and meeting rigorous bi-weekly submission deadlines.
• Methodology: Developed advanced skills in real-time experimental troubleshooting, focusing on the reproducibility and precision required for biotech research environments.
• Scientific Tools Used: Primer3Plus, Benchling, ImageJ (FIJI), BLAST, STRING, STITCH, Chimera, PyMOL, Allen Brain Atlas.

Quantitative & Analytical Coursework

• Psychological Science I (Statistics): Foundations in statistical analysis and psychological data interpretation. Course Details
• General Chemistry I Laboratory: Applied techniques in chemical analysis and experimental design. Course Details
• General Chemistry II Laboratory: Advanced laboratory protocols and analytical methodologies. Course Details