"No one has yet realized the wealth of sympathy, the kindness, and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure."

- Emma Goldman

My most wonderful journey yet - welcoming our son Westley. I can confidently say that being a mom has taught me skills no other job could have taught me. But every other job will greatly benefit from them.

Skills: prioritization, positive thinking, patience, flexibility, troubleshooting, emotional intelligence, multitasking, planning and managing

In the laboratory I planned, executed, and analyzed experiments commonly performed in molecular biology research including western blot analysis, transfection, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, and RT-qPCR. Furthermore, I prepared and presented two research proposals, contributed to two research publications, and published a first author review paper. I also initiated and managed collaborations and established new protocols.

Unfortunately, the lab had to close its doors in 2020, at which point I decided to leave the PhD program with a Master’s degree.

Skills: design/execution/analysis of experiments, critical thinking, scientific writing, public speaking, teamwork and collaboration

I spent three years in a PhD program until I decided to leave the program with a Master’s degree. During my time at Irell & Manella Graduate School I completed a theoretical curriculum and worked on research projects in a lab. The title of my final Master Thesis was: “Oligonucleotide-Based Therapies for Glioblastoma and Prostate Cancer”.

Awards: Dr. Norman and Melinda Payson Fellowship (2020) & H.N. & Frances Berger Foundation Fellowship (2018)

The Master program in Molecular Life Science consisted of two semesters of intense theoretical courses followed by two internships, three months each. In the end, a research project was conducted and composed into a written Master Thesis. The title of my thesis was: “Transcriptome Analysis of Human Urinary RNA”.

I successfully defended and oral presentation of my thesis.

The Bachelor program in Molecular Life Science consisted of six semesters of intense theoretical courses and practical lab classes. In the end, a research project was conducted and composed into a written Bachelor Thesis. The title of my thesis was: “Cell Biological Characterization of PivOm Modified ICAM-1 Directed siRNA”.

I successfully defended and oral presentation of my thesis.

As VP I served as a bridge between the student body and graduate school leadership and administration. Together with the president, I communicated the students’ needs and suggestions for a better learning environment and negotiated solutions for problems and concerns.

Skills: communication, negotiation, leadership, organization, time management, planning, interpersonal skills, PowerPoint presentations

As treasurer I kept track of all student related finances. I was in close communication with all chairs and officers to advise on their spending. I was also part of a student committee that composed a comprehensive proposal for a stipend increase.

Skills: budgeting, negotiation, communication, management, interpersonal skills, Excel spreadsheets

As recruitment chair I supported the graduate school leadership and administration in the process of recruiting new students. I was mainly responsible for recruiting and managing volunteers among the current student body to assist in the process. I was also the main contact point for interviewees prior and during the recruitment event.

Skills: management, organization, leadership, interpersonal skills

Professor Emeritus, City of Hope cyastein@gmail.com

Dr. Stein was my PI and co-mentor at City of Hope. He can speak about my lab performance.

Commercial R&D Senior Manager, City of Hope dcastanotto@coh.org

Dr. Castanotto was the lab manager and my primary mentor at City of Hope. She knows me and my working style best.

Dean Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences dann@coh.org

Dr. Ann is the Dean of the Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences. He can speak about my academic performance and extracurricular activities.

Universität zu Lübeck, Institute of Molecular Medicine georg.sczakiel@uni-luebeck.de

Prof. Dr. Sczakiel was my PI at the Universität zu Lübeck and mentored me during my Bachelor’s and Master’s projects.