I am a pharmaceutical chemistry graduate from the University of California, Davis. As an undergraduate, most of my studies focused on small molecules. I learned how drugs worked; how they are being synthesized, designed, and delivered. During my time at Davis, I interned in a small local pharmacy as well as volunteered at the UC Davis Pediatric Infusion Center. These experiences helped me to think more critically about the limits of small molecule drugs. 

I enrolled in the biotechnology program at City College of San Francisco with a goal; to familiarize myself with the applications of biologics and cell therapies. In this program, I received basic biotechnology laboratory training in mammalian cell culture, PCR, and recombinant DNA technology. With the support from the CCSF community and instructors from the biotechnology program, I had the opportunity to participate in the Bioscience Internship Program. 

Currently, I am an intern in the Krogan lab working with Dr. Adrian Pelin at the University of California, San Francisco. The Krogan lab uses systems biology approaches to connect sequences, structures, and mechanisms. My internship research involves screening for

replication and extracellular enveloped virion production in rescued Vaccinia viruses with single gene deletions. Additionally, I am taking part in cellular colocalization studies of viral proteins. The ultimate goal of this research is to engineer Vaccinia viruses with increased oncolytic potential. 

Following this internship, I plan on continuing my work with the Vaccinia team at the Krogan Lab. I hope to further develop my technical lab skills to prepare for a career in cancer immunotherapy research.