MCB Program Start:
2020
Undergrad School:
Azusa Pacific University
Undergrad Degree:
B.S. Biochemistry
Undergrad Graduation Year:
2019
Research Advisor and Department:
Thomas Tomasiak, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Research Topic:
My research focuses on understanding the substrate binding and transport mechanism in the human L-cystine/L-glutamate antiporter, xCT. xCT plays an essential role in regulating cellular redox homeostasis and is upregulated in cancer to combat oxidative stress build-up. Therefore, my project goal is to elucidate the functional mechanism of xCT using biochemical and structural techniques so that we may design chemotherapeutics for cancer treatments.
Honors and Awards:
T-32 Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award (2021)
University of Arizona Galileo Circle Scholarship (2021)
T-32 Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award (2020)
Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society John C. Johnson Award (2018)
Gencarella scholar (2018)
Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society Research Grant (2017)
Hobbies and Interests:
I am a fairly outdoors person, so I enjoy doing things like hiking and kayaking a lot. I also play sand volleyball every week.
Guiding Principle:
Do what excites.