Academic History:
I am a May 2012 graduate with departmental honors B.S. degrees in Physics, Biochemistry, and applied Mathematics with cumulative GPA’s of, 3.9, 3.5 and 3.8 respectively. I also have a business certificate from the Kelly School’s Center for Business of Life Sciences (CBLS).
Research/Lab Experience/ Extracurricular activities:
For the past four summers, I have volunteered and worked at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Martinez California working in a molecular neurobiology laboratory. My research included developing DNA reporter constructs of the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene and to create transgenic lines of Zebrafish reporting expression representing the alternate splicing mechanism of the BDNF gene in various nerve tissues. I have my name on an abstract and a paper soon to be published. During my years at Indiana University, I have been employed as a Mathematics tutor and grader through the Mathematics department. I have been employed by Indiana University’s Academic Support Center as a math tutor as well. In my final years at IU, I worked with the Glazier group’s Biophysics research lab on campus. My research included in silico modeling of neural crest cells during the beginnings of development. My last project, which I am still involved with and very passionate about, involves in silico modeling of chondrogenesis and cartilage repair. Hopefully this research will lead to improvements upon the various cartilage regeneration therapies such as autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation.
Hobbies:
Some fun classes I have taken at IU that have become hobbies include Rock Climbing, Scientific Scuba Diving (PADI certified in advanced diving through IU), Swimming, and Ballroom Dancing (won first prize in a competition). Other interests and hobbies include Skydiving (certified), Surfing, Snowboarding, Photography (HDR), Robotics (self taught), and Computer Programming (combination of classes and self taught). Other academic interests include Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology.
Future Goals:
I plan to apply to a graduate or MD/PhD program in Bioengineering, specifically Tissue Engineering/Regenerative Medicine, or Biophysics/Quantitative Biology. I am interested in a multidisciplinary field at the interface between Physics and Biology. I am interested in using a quantitative approach and physical motivations to solve biological problems. The area of study that I am interested in the most is Regenerative medicine.
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