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PhD in Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation, and Performance (ongoing)

MS in Health Science (incomplete)

• Did not finish due to financial reasons. 30/37 credits completed.

BS in Exercise Physiology

• Minor in Biology
• Health Professions emphasis
• Honors
  • Magna Cum Laude

Graduate research assistant in lab of Dr. Emidio Pistilli

• Effects of breast cancer on skeletal muscle fatigue
  • The aim of this research is to elucidate the mechanisms as to how skeletal muscle fatigue develops and progresses in the presence of breast cancer.
  • Implant existing female breast cancer patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) into NSG mice for our current tumor model.
  • Currently working on establishing male breast cancer PDXs in NSG mice to examine any sex differences in skeletal muscle physiology.
• Technical skills learned
  • Castration, RNA isolation, RNA-seq analysis, Whole-Exome analysis, exosome isolation, culturing of primary tumor cells.

Graduate research assistant in lab of Dr. Mark Olfert

• Acute effects of e-cigarette exposure on peripheral vascular function.
  • The significance of this research is to further understanding of the impacts of ecigarette use on the cardiovascular system.
  • Performed surgical procedures on rats.
  • Used ultrasound on rats to measure flow-mediated dilation.

Undergraduate research assistant in lab of Dr. Paul Chantler

• Effects of depression and stress on cardiovascular system in rats.
  • The significance of this project is the potential information it can yield on determining the largest areas of risk for developing cardiovascular disease in individuals with chronic depression and/or high stress.
  • Performed basic nutritional, medical, and physiological tasks on laboratory rats.
  • Performed post-mortem macro- and microsurgery procedures. Macro includes organ removal and sectioning of excised organs. Micro includes removal of superficial brain vessels under a microscope.
  • Performed assays on tissue samples, such as western blot and immuno-fluorescence.
  • Data analysis.
• Influence of electronic cigarettes on vascular function in mice.
  • This research is significant because at the moment very little is known about the long-term effects of e-cigarettes on the vascular system.
  • Analyzed ultrasound echo-cardiography and pulse-wave velocity data from mice.

Research Technician, Genetic and Tumor Model Core Facility

• Create new Patient-derived Xenograft (PDX) lines from human tumor samples.
• Maintain and expand existing PDX lines.
• Extract DNA from original and engrafted tumor cells for short tandem repeat authentication.
• Maintain forms and documentation for procedures and projects.
• Maintain any supplies, reagents, or equipment needed for the core.
• Assist with any technical work necessary to carry out projects for investigators.
• Technical duties included
  • Colony management and breeding, tumor resection, tumor tissue/cells transplant/injection, tissue collection, tumor tissue dissociation (using Miltenyi AutoMacs), tagging, tail clipping, ear punch, weaning, euthanasia (isoflurane & CO2), hormone pellets transplant, SQ/IP injection, survival surgeries, blood collection, mice fluorescent (IVIS) and ultrasound imaging, ultrasound image tumor volume analysis, mouse and cell irradiation, intracranial injections, sperm cryo for mouse strain preservation, working in ABSL2 environments.

Information Technology

• Provide basic technical support for Windows based computers

Personal Trainer

• Perform baseline fitness tests on new clients or progress tests on existing
• Plan workout routines for clients
• Guide clients through exercises if desired

• Oral and Poster Presenter, Translational Research Cancer Centers Consortium; Champion, PA

• Poster Co-author, Great Lakes Breast Cancer Research Symposium; Morgantown, WV

• Poster Presenter, Experimental Biology; Chicago, IL
• Poster Presenter, Van Liere Research Day; Morgantown, WV
• Poster Presenter, Undergraduate Research Day at West Virginia University; Morgantown, WV
• Poster Presenter, Allegheny-Erie Toxicology Regional Conference; Morgantown, WV

• Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) workshop in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

• Executive Director of Sustainability, West Virginia University Student Government Association