I am interested in cardiac regulatory and arrhythmia mechanisms, gene therapy and gene editing, and cardiac regeneration with hopes of advancing treatment for cardiovascular disease.
I have 13 years of cardiovascular and translational research experience with my primary projects being centered around cardiovascular genetic disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure. Currently, I use advanced proteomic techniques to investigate mechanisms of heart failure and explore novel gene therapy solutions. As a graduate student I studied pathogenic variants that caused severe arrhythmia syndromes in infants and children. I used commercial and patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and novel mouse models to investigate the cellular mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis. I also explored potential pharmacological interventions to reduce the risk of arrhythmic events. Additionally, I co-authored a paper addressing autonomic nervous system remodeling as an arrhythmogenic substrate in atrial fibrillation. Other previous work contributions include investigating various factors affecting voltage-gated potassium channel stability and investigating the effect of TGFβ signaling on cardiac gene expression in dystrophic mice with developing cardiomyopathy. Outside of research I am an active firefighter, emergency medical technician serving my community. Other previous community experiences include serving as multicultural affairs ambassador for the American Heart Association and a research advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Duties included building relationships with community leaders and educating community members on major health topics.
Education
The Jackson Laboratory
Postdoctoral Associate
Adv: J. Travis Hinson, M.D.
Cardiovascular Genetics
2022-present
Northwestern University
Ph.D., Life and Biomedical Sciences
M.S., Clinical Investigation
Adv: Alfred L. George, Jr., M.D.
Department of Pharmacology
2014-2022
Jackson State University
B.S., Chemistry
2009-2013
Experience
Multicultural Affairs Ambassador
The American Heart Association, Chicago Chapter
2016-2018
Research Advocate
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter
2014-2016
PREP Scholar/Research Assistant
University of Chicago Medical Center
Adv: Elizabeth M. McNally, M.D., Ph.D.
2013-2014
PSOMER Summer Intern
University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Adv: Konstantin Birukov, M.D., Ph.D.
2012
Laboratory Assistant
Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine
Adv: Jeanne M. Nerbonne, Ph.D.
2010-2013