Bio

Ph.D. Genetics and Molecular Biology
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 5/2009

B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The University of Georgia 5/2004
Teaching

Adjunct Faculty at Fayetteville State University 1/2011-12/2011
BIO200: Cellular Biology: Taught Cellular Biology 200 for science majors (includes sophomores, juniors and seniors). Responsibilities included developing interactive units, which included introduction of science inquiry into activities for each topic covered. Evaluated quizzes, exams and semester project based on the material covered in class. Organized laboratory exercises and laboratory reports.

BIO430: Genetic Analysis of Signaling Networks in Cancer: Developed a research-based elective course. Students conducted a RNAi-based candidate screen to determine novel ERK targets in vulva development in C.elegans. Responsibilities included teaching and mentoring students on their research project, helping the students master basic research skills in C.elegan research, developing the students’ scientific writing skills and communication skills. Organized a mini-cancer symposium which included: students’ poster presentations, keynote speaker and science career panel.

Adjunct Faculty at Alamance Community College 1/2007- 12/2010
Introduction to Biology for science majors: Taught Introduction to Biology and Laboratory for science majors and pre-nursing students. Responsibilities included developing lectures and exams. Introduced interactive learning through problem based learning sets for each lecture. Evaluated exams and class participation during problem based learning sets. Developed lectures for laboratory exercises, as well as developed quizzes based on material learned during lab exercise. Organized office hours and blackboard site for distributing class material and review problems.

Introductory to Biology Laboratory for non-science majors: Taught Introduction to Biology Laboratory for non-science majors. Responsibilities included effectively coordinating each laboratory exercise, grading lab reports and quizzes, developing quizzes based on material learned during the laboratory exercise.

Teaching Assistant for Biology 211 1/2007 – 5/2009
Introduction to Research for science majors at UNC-Chapel Hill: Taught under Patricia Pukkila as a graduate assistant. Facilitated discussion on how to critically read and write for science, how to develop their own research proposal and how to effectively design experiments to answer their science questions. Organized field trips to industry companies in Research Triangle Park as well as organized graduate student interviews and lab meeting visits.

Teaching Assistant for Biology 50 8/2005 – 12/2005
Introduction to Genetics class for science majors at UNC-Chapel Hill: Responsibilities included facilitating two recitation sections. Recitation sections were based on active learning activities, where students worked in groups and presented the assigned work to the class. Graded presentation skills and exams. Organized office hours.

Guest Lecture Positions
Laboratory in Cellular Biology: Role of GTPases in Cancer at UNC-Chapel Hill Spring 2012
Molecular Basis of Disease: Gene Regulation in Cancer at UNC-Chapel Hill Spring 2010
Cancer Biology Course: Ras in Cancer at North Carolina Central University Spring 2010

Service

NC Student Academy of Science State Competition Judge 3/2010, 3/2012

NC Science Fair Judge 3/2010

DNA-Day Ambassador 4/2008, 4/2007
Participated in science outreach program aimed to excite high school students about science and introduce them to how science works in graduate school. Traveled to high schools around North Carolina and taught a DNA day module for students of different classes ranging from freshman to AP biology seniors and juniors.

Academic Coach for the Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity Program 8/2007 – 12/2008
Tutored and mentored IMSD students at UNC-Chapel Hill. Met with students on a weekly basis to review material discussed in class and helped the students answer questions about the material.

Research
SPIRE Postdoctoral Fellow under the mentorship of Dr. Channing Der and Dr. Dave Reiner
Project: Determining novel GEF-independent functions of RGL-1 and elucidating the role of RGL-1 – RAL-1 pathway in vulva fate patterning in C.elegans

Graduate student under the mentorship of Dr. Norman Sharpless
Project: Studying the role of p16INK4a in melanoma mouse models. Developed and characterized new mouse models of melanoma using conditional alleles of p16, KRAS, and p53. Developed and characterized a new mouse model of melanoma using conditional alleles of LKB1 and KRAS.