Hello, I am a graduate student in Biochemistry and Molecular biology program. I earned BS and MS in Biochemistry. My research journey began with drug screening for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compounds. Cellular and animal imaging during scientific conferences left a strong impression on me and led to my interest in cellular imaging and cell physiology. During my time at UT Tyler, I had a chance to learn various imaging techniques. To pursue broader expertise in microscopy, I joined Dr. Yuhui Yin’s laboratory, which investigates mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and the structural biology of its associated proteins through cryo-electron microscopy. Mitochondrial DNA is vulnerable to mutations due to limited protective proteins and oxidative environments. Aberrant regulation and mutation of mitochondrial DNA is related to aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and mitochondrial mutations. My project focuses on delivery and design of engineered DNA carrying mitochondrial genes. This construct would be capable of independent replication within mitochondria and function similarly to native mtDNA. This technique will offer a new platform to study mtDNA transcription and translation which remain poorly understood due to limited approaches.
Outside of the lab, I spend my time watching and playing sports like baseball and tennis. I also enjoy reading books about anthropology and science, which always gives new insights and my enthusiasm for research.