Members of the Research Team

I earned my Ph.D. in Biochemistry working in the laboratory of Jean-Pierre Perreault at the University of Sherbooke, Québec (Canada) working on the structure of the hepatitis delta virus ribozyme. For my post-doctoral studies, I joined the lab. of David Lilley in Dundee, Scotland (United Kingdom) elucidating the structure of several functional RNAs by small angle X-ray scattering and single-molecule FRET as well as in the lab. of Jonathan Perreault working on riboswitches at the National Scientific Research Institute at Laval, Québec (Canada).

My research interests are about RNA structure and folding, both at the fundamental level as well as for its putative applications

I am teaching Biochemistry I and II to chemistry major students (juniors and/or seniors). I also teach General Chemistry (freshmen).

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Fall 2016
• 1 credit, Spring 2016
• 1 credit, Fall 2015
• 1 credits, Spring 2015

I am currently a junior studying chemistry at Monmouth University. I have done research with Dr. Ouellet for two semesters and am currently in my third. In the lab, I am working on developing an aptamer that binds tightly and specifically to glucose using the SELEX process. Once this aptamer is developed, we hope to convert it into a riboswitch which will release insulin only when in the presence of glucose. Eventually, this could help people suffering from diabetes to control their condition in a less invasive way, without an injection. After my education at Monmouth, I hope to continue to graduate school to earn a PhD in biochemistry and eventually do research full time.

Favorite quote:
“No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don’t ask questions remain clueless throughout their entire lives.” — Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Fall 2016
• 1 credit, Spring 2016
• 1 credit, Fall 2015

Research project:

1. Cloning of ratiometric fluorescence vector activated by a riboswitch.

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Fall 2016

Research project:

1. Radioactivity-free kinetic measuments

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Fall 2016

Research project:

1. Developing an aptamer binding glucose 6-phosphate

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Fall 2016

Research project:

1. Developing an aptamer binding an oncometabolite

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Fall 2016

Research projects:

1. Development of an Aptamer Against an Oncometabolite through RNA Selection

Currently I am an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry with a concentration in Advanced Chemistry with a minor in Information Technology. In the lab, I am currently working on developing an aptamer against an oncometabolite which is a small molecule that is found in some cancers. I am developing this aptamer through SELEX which is a combination of various techniques. Once this aptamer is obtained, the goal is to transform the aptamer into a biosensor for cancer-specific therapy for cancer cells. After completing my undergraduate degree at Monmouth University, I aspire to go to medical school to purse an M.D. Degree.

Favorite quote:
“Imagination is the highest form of research” — Albert Einstein

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Spring 2016
• 2 credits, Fall 2015
• 10 weeks, 36 hours/week, SRP 2015
• 2 credits, Spring 2015
• 1 credit, Fall 2014
• 10 weeks, 36 hours/week, SRP 2014
• 1 credit, Spring 2014
• Fall 2013

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Spring 2016
• 1 credit, Fall 2015
• 1 credits, Spring 2015

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Spring 2016
• 5 weeks, 36 hours/week, SRP 2015

Research projects:

1. Monitoring RNA Folding via Fluorescence

I am a Junior Chemistry major in the Monmouth Medical Scholars Program. I am currently working on understanding the mechanisms of how the Twister ribozyme folds as a member of the Ouellet lab. Post-graduation from Monmouth University, I wish to attend medical school. Through my research, I wish to master commonly used Biochemistry laboratory techniques and be able to analyze scientific data in an accurate manner. Also, I would like to explore the central role of RNA within biological systems. I am also the copy editor and a political columnist for Monmouth's online magazine The Verge. I like to spend my free time reading the newspaper, writing, spending time with my family, and running.

Favorite quote:
“It wasn't the New World that mattered ... Columbus died almost without seeing it; and not really knowing what he had discovered. It's life that matters, nothing but life — the process of discovering, the everlasting and perpetual process, not the discovery itself.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Fall 2015
• 1 credit, Spring 2015
• 1 credit, Fall 2014
• Spring 2014
• Fall 2013
  

Lab experience:

• 1 credit, Fall 2014
• 1 credit, Spring 2014
• Fall 2013