University: University of California, Los Angeles
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
NIH Research Project:
Role of SAP in T/B Collaboration: Understanding Hypogammaglobulinemia in XLP
Mentor: Pamela L. Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.
Genetic Disease Research Branch
National Human Genome Research Institute
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I graduated in spring 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics, and I will be filing a thesis by the end of the summer to complete the requirements for a master's degree.
My interest and experience in research came about almost accidentally. Three years ago-with no real exposure to molecular biology or immunology-I was very fortunate to be accepted by Dr. Sherie Morrison to join her laboratory. Since then I've received valuable advice and training from Drs. Morrison and Koteswara Chintalacharuvu, as well as many members of the laboratory.
Under their guidance I analyzed the sugar molecules of antibodies. These sugar molecules are important because they play a major role in immunological functions and diseases and in eliminating proteins from the body.
The UGSP has provided me the courage to leave the West Coast and the opportunity to intern at NIH. Currently, I am training under the supervision of Dr. Pamela Schwartzberg of the Cellular Immunology Section of the National Human Genome Research Institute to study a cell signaling system that is defective in a genetic disorder known as X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP). XLP is a fatal immune dysfunction characterized by improper responses to Epstein Barr virus-a common virus that normally has no long-lasting effects.
After working at NIH, I plan to continue my pursuit of biomedical research and to earn an M.D./Ph.D. What began as an uncertain exploration has become a passion and determination to pursue a career in biomedical research. |
