Education

Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science	May 2025

Newman University	GPA: 3.94

Outstanding Senior Chemistry Student Award 2025

Dean’s List 2023-2024, 2024-2025

Honors Grant 2023-2027

Monsignor McNeill Scholarship 2023-2027

NCAA Division II Women’s Bowling Scholarship 2023-2027

Relevant Coursework: Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Kinetics, Chemical Thermodynamics, Honors Bio-Organic Chemistry, Genetics, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Honors Cellular Molecular Biology, Immunology

Associate of Arts	Jun 2023

Blinn Community College	GPA:3.97

Outstanding Graduate Award 2023

President’s List 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023

Relevant Coursework: Technical Report Writing, Statistics, General Biology, General Chemistry

Research Experience

Research Assistant – Dr. Sam Suess	Aug 2024-current

Newman University, Wichita, KS

Independently performed solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), including solution preparation, resin weighing, Fmoc deprotection and amino acid coupling using centrifugation, sonication, and vacuum filtration techniques

Analyzed peptide purity using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Conducted cell viability assays on CAPAN-2 pancreatic cancer cells, including drug dilution, sterile treatment, microscopy imaging, and analysis via plate reader in a 96-well format

Maintained detailed and accurate lab notebooks documenting procedures, observations, and data

Collaborated with a faculty mentor and peer researcher to troubleshoot protocols and optimize experimental outcomes

Research Intern – Dr. Patrick Pepper	May 2024-Aug 2024

24 Labs, Sioux Falls, SD

Investigated the effects of a high-fat diet on female fertility using a rat model, with a focus on ovarian oxidative DNA damage and follicular health

Applied a range of lab techniques including ELISA, western blotting, cell culture, cell isolation, brightfield microscopy, and slide scanning to assess biomarkers of fertility

Performed animal procedures such as vaginal cytology, jugular vein blood draws, and organ harvests in compliance with ethical research protocols

Developed and implemented an ImageJ-based protocol to quantify oxidative DNA damage in ovarian follicles

Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and graduate students to analyze data, troubleshoot protocols, and contribute to literature reviews and scientific presentations

Presentations & Publications

Presentation:

Annual Research Symposium	Aug 2024

High Fat Diet Impairs Fertility and is Partially Rescued by Coenzyme Q10

Investigated the effects of dietary intervention on oxidative stress and fertility using a rat model. Demonstrated that a low-fat, coenzyme Q10-supplemented diet enhanced folliculogenesis and reduced oxidative DNA damage in ovarian follicles, suggesting potential dietary strategies for improving reproductive health.

Unsubmitted Publications:

Newman University	Current

Nanoparticles and Peptide-Based Nanocarrier Delivery Methods for Targeting Mitochondria in Cancer Treatment

First-authored a review exploring mitochondria as a target for cancer therapy, emphasizing the potential of peptide-functionalized nanoparticles and mitochondria-homing peptides to improve targeted drug delivery, enhance treatment efficiency, and reduce toxicity and drug resistance.

Skills

Laboratory Techniques

Brightfield Microscopy

Slide Scanner

IR/HNMR Spectroscopy

Experience with PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Western Blotting, ELISA Assays, Immunohistochemistry, Cell Isolation, Cell Culture, Vacuum Filtration, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, AA Spectroscopy, and HPLC

Data Analysis

Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint

Experience with ImageJ and GraphPad Prism

Interpersonal Skills

Scientific Writing, Verbal Communication, and Oral Presentation

Peer Tutoring and Teaching

Peer Leadership

Teamwork and Conflict Resolution

Professional Experience

Organic Chemistry, Genetics, and Biochemistry Lab Teacher’s Assistant	Aug 2024-current

Newman University, Wichita, KS

Prepared chemical reagents, solid samples, and student apparatuses in alignment with detailed experimental protocols

Maintained 25 bottles of Drosophila stocks to support ongoing genetics experiments and classroom demonstrations

Regularly prepared vials of Drosophila for student experiments including anesthetizing, sexing, and phenotyping flies

Prepared fly food according to protocol

Cleaned and autoclaved bottles as needed

Supported student learning in the lab by guiding individuals through procedures, promoting both independent problem-solving and collaborative work

Graded lab reports and delivered timely, constructive feedback to reinforce scientific writing and critical thinking skills

Recovery Technician	Oct 2022-Aug 2023

Marine Specialty Center for Animals, West Linn, OR

Monitored and cared for post-operative patients, assessing heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and effort, hydration levels, and distress every thirty minutes

Documented clinical observations in the clinic’s electronic charting system and communicated status updates to technicians and veterinarians

Assisted as a scrub in soft tissue surgeries and internal medicine procedures

Contributed to maintaining a sterile environment by cleaning endoscopes and surgical tools according to written protocols

Observed veterinary-client consultations, gaining insight into clinical care, communication, and case management

Participated in daily rounds and coordinated patient care transitions by briefing overnight technicians on case updates

Other Work Experience

Shift Lead	Mar 2023-current

Freddy’s Frozen Yogurt, Clackamas, OR

Math & Science Peer Tutor	Sep 2022-Jun 2023

Blinn Community College, Blinn, TX

CRLA Tutor Certification Level 1

Kennel Assistant	Mar 2022-Oct 2022

Paws & Claws Pet Groomers, Troutdale, OR

Extracurricular Activities

DEI Committee Senator	Jan 2024-current

Newman University

Advanced campus DEI initiatives by attending biweekly committee meetings and actively supporting committee planning and logistics

Recorded and distributed detailed meeting minutes to ensure effective communication, follow-up, and execution

Collaborated on event strategic planning, including theme development, scheduling, and coordination with other campus organizations and events

Regularly volunteered at DEI-sponsored events, promoting inclusive programming and student engagement

STEM Club President	Nov 2023-current

Newman University

Led the resurrection of an inactive STEM club by recruiting and leading a team of four STEM students

Organized and facilitated monthly meetings to plan interactive events that engaged student engagement in STEM

Secured event funding by writing grant proposals and presenting them to the school’s student government association

Maintained compliance with administrative requirements through ongoing communication with students and staff across campus leadership

NCAA Division II Women’s Bowling	Aug 2023-current

Newman University

Committed 10 hours weekly to rigorous team practices, demonstrating discipline, resilience, and collaboration

Competed in ~12 annual multi-day tournaments, balancing extensive travel and competition time with academic responsibilities and team leadership

Student Body Vice President	Sep 2022-Sep 2023

Blinn Community College

Managed a team of 20 individuals in student government, overseeing performance check-ins, conflict resolution, and alignment with organizational goals

Spearheaded student hiring and onboarding processes, including designing and implementing the online student government application, communicating with applicants, and selecting final candidates

Coordinated the 2023-2024 presidential and vice-presidential elections process, guiding candidates through campaigning policies and managing candidate conflicts per constitutional protocols

Volunteered weekly with the community wellness and grants departments, managing food orders and distribution and informing students of current grant resources

Delivered food pantry utilization reports and funding requests at monthly Foundation Board meetings

Multicultural Center Senator	Oct 2021-Sep 2022

Blinn Community College

Co-led the design of a campus space for underrepresented students to eat, pray, and study

Advocated for a full-time multicultural center coordinator and served as the student representative on the hiring committee

Spoke with students utilizing the multicultural center to ensure their needs were reflected in hiring criteria

Collaborated with staff to create and apply a hiring rubric, reviewing 50+ applications and co-developing an interview script for candidate evaluations