I'm an experienced scientist and team leader in the agricultural biotechnology space. I have a passion for building systems and teams that empower organizations to deliver high-impact results. My background spans molecular biology, plant genetics, data management, regulatory affairs, and operational leadership, and I have a growing focus on the implementation of new technologies. I've led teams, built labs from the ground up, and supported early-stage startups in navigating complex technical and logistical landscapes. I'm currently exploring new opportunities to apply my expertise toward mission-driven projects and entrepreneurial ventures.
Thesis: “The analysis of a lysine-rich wound-response protein in tomato plants”
Advisor: Dr. Xing-Hai Zhang
Research: “A broader and bolder U.S. policy toward Somalia”
Advisor: Ambassador Nancy Soderberg
GreenVenus is an agricultural genetics company working to enhance vegetable traits through modern biotechnology techniques.
The Niva Labs was an ISO 17025 analytical testing lab specializing in agricultural and consumer products.
I helped startup scientific companies research and write regulatory proposals.
I set up the automated manufacturing protocols for Small World Initiative (now known as Tiny Earth).
The Zhang Lab is a plant biotechnology research lab that investigates the utility and function of genetic components in peppers, tomatoes, and tobacco through genetic transformations and bioinformatics analysis.
The Million Orchid Project is an organization that clones native Florida orchids to revitalize wild populations.
The Committee to Elect Michelle Lujan Grisham was a congressional campaign that successfully elected Michelle Lujan Grisham as the representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district.
CRISPR-Cas genome editing (plant systems), Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, plant tissue culture and regeneration, plasmid design and cloning, single-cell and conventional PCR, NGS library preparation and sequence analysis, variant detection and SNP/indel calling, species identification (metagenomics), microbial culture and soil microbe isolation, pathogen challenge and inhibition assays, BSL-2 lab infrastructure and compliance, custom media formulation, plant stress assays and phenotype screening, HPLC and ICP-MS sample analysis, chemical assay development and sample prep, mammalian cell culture, bioinformatics and computational analysis, PCR troubleshooting and assay optimization
Regulatory submission preparation, governmental communication, regulatory method validation, laboratory ISO accreditation, governmental audit preparation, B2B audit coordination, business license proposal writing, manufacturing batch record management, governmental software system integration
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) integration, LIMS and regulatory software interoperability, internal database design and maintenance, controlled document lifecycle management, laboratory hardware-software systems integration, lab technology evaluation and implementation, AI-assisted code development and workflow automation, Python scripting for lab and data applications, foundational web development (HTML, CSS), cross-functional project management, digital systems optimization for research and regulatory compliance
Employee mentorship and supervision, quality management system (QMS) implementation, laboratory waste handling and compliance procedures, personnel recruitment and onboarding, employee performance review process implementation, method cost-benefit analysis, capital equipment sourcing and purchasing