Doctoral Candidate
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina, United States
My academic training and research experience have provided me with a strong foundation in biochemistry, reproductive biology, and cellular signaling. As an undergraduate at East Carolina, I studied molecular and cell biology under the guidance of Dr. Bunnel, which culminated in a rigorous course regimen that led to a diverse introduction to lab research. This early research experience sparked my passion for understanding how chemical systems work and govern biological processes.
After completing my undergraduate degree, I gained valuable industry experience at Q Squared Solutions at IQVIA, where I worked on vaccine validations from clinical trials. This role provided me with insight into the critical application of science in public health and sparked a deeper desire for a higher degree of independence as a scientist. Recognizing that further education would be essential to achieving this goal, I decided to pursue graduate studies to expand my expertise and make a broader impact in the field.
During my graduate studies at ECU, I have expanded my expertise into the fields of reproductive biology and biochemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Schmidt, Dr. Issa, Dr. Ables, Dr. Offenbacher, Dr. Vos, and Dr. Geyer. My current research investigates the variability in sperm capacitation across populations, with a specific focus on intracellular calcium, pH changes, and functional outcomes like acrosome exocytosis. These efforts aim to identify predictors of sperm fitness and develop models for optimizing reproductive interventions. Additionally, I have developed proficiency in advanced optical techniques, high-throughput assays, and statistical modeling to analyze large datasets, skills that are directly applicable to my proposed research.
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Revealing Fertilization-Competent Sperm Subpopulations
Thursday, July 31, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM EDT