Assistant Professor
Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University
I am an Early-Stage Investigator (ESI) and began my independent, tenure-track appointment in the Department Biomedical and Translational Sciences at Virginia Health Sciences (VHS) at Old Dominion in November 2021. My research program aims to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern oocyte function and quality, with the ultimate goal of applying this knowledge to improve women’s reproductive health.
I have a strong background in reproductive physiology and molecular biology, with specialized training in oocyte manipulation and RNA biology. My postdoctoral research, supported by a K99 Pathway to Independence Award and my current R00 grant, led to the discovery that inosine RNA modifications influence RNA metabolism in mouse oocytes. My ongoing R00-funded work is focused on understanding how increased inosine RNA modifications affect RNA stability and oocyte quality, providing critical insights into post-transcriptional regulation in reproductive aging.