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.
