Bargaining Team

CRTA Postdoc, NCI, Frederick (he/him)

I’m a structural biologist with an interest in protein dynamics, or how the wiggling and jiggling of atoms within a protein affect its function. I am particularly interested in so-called “slow” motions which dictate catalysis and molecular recognition. Outside of the lab I like to play video games and tabletop RPGs, read non-fiction, garden, and chase my 3 year old daughter.

Research Fellow, NINDS, Bethesda (she/her)

My research focuses on discovering the molecular mechanisms underlying how cells sense and respond to damage, and how defects in these processes contribute to inflammation and neurodegeneration. I am specifically interested in how damage or stress sensed at organelle membranes is repaired, eliminated, or sends signals to the immune system to protect tissue health. Ask me about cell and membrane biology, microscopes, ubiquitin, philosophy, labor, bikes, coffee beans, and all genres of music.

IRTA Postdoc, NIMH, Bethesda (she/her)

My predoctoral work aimed to shed light on the functional architecture of the primate visual system and establish links between neural activity, perception, and behavior, with a focus on color as a model system. I am currently investigating the causal role of mid and high-level visual regions in perception and behavior using optogenetics and electrophysiology in macaques. Outside of work I enjoy doing comedy, making visual illusions, and spending time in the ocean.

IRTA Postbac, NIDCR, Bethesda (he/him)

I am very passionate about glycoproteomics and elucidating how specific sites of glycans (sugars) modulate biological activity of proteins. My lab uses mass spectrometry to localize sites of mucin type O-glycans or N-Acetylgalactosamine (O-GalNAc). My current project is focused on localizing the sites of mucin 10 (MUC10), a mucin  known to aggregate and clear pathogenic bacteria from the oral cavity. The long term goal of this project is to relate how these sites of O-GalNAc is modulating it biological function. Outside of being a scientist and a labor organizer, I love to dance, play volleyball, talk current events and reach semi-professional levels in Team Fight Tactics.

IRTA Predoc, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park North Carolina (he/him)

impact that diet may have on the gut-microbiome and Parkinson’s Disease, in particular how the adaptive immune system might be instigated to develop an autoimmune-disorder-like response to dopaminergic neurons. To study this, I borrow methods from the intersection of genetics, immunology, and neurobiology to explore a whole-systems approach using a genetic PD-mouse model. When I’m not in the lab, I spend time with my wonderful teen-daughter, or I can be found running cross-country on some trail.

IRTA Predoc, NIMH, Bethesda | (she/her)

I study the opioidergic system in the context of mood and sensory processing disorders. My work aims to bridge a molecular-to-network systems understanding of ketamine’s rapid-acting antidepressant and psychotomimetic effects through patch electrophysiology and 2p calcium imaging in behaving animals. Outside of work, I climb, read, and go where the music is.

IRTA Post-Doc, NCATS, Rockville, MD, (she/her)

My work revolves around metabolomics—the comprehensive profiling of small molecules (metabolites) in biological specimens. This has ranged from finding metabolites associated with predisposition to severe COVID-19, early colorectal cancer markers after consuming high fat diets, and alterations in fat-soluble vitamin absorption in metabolic syndrome. Rather than focus on one disease area, I study how we can use this tool reproducibly, as a well as how we can educate and train the next generation of scientists, to generate novel hypotheses that expand our clinical horizons in the big data era. If I’m not in the lab or at the bargaining table, you can find me training for and competing in triathlons, gabbing about books and ideas with friends, or kicking a soccer ball around for my sweet puppy, Maple. 

I am a postdoctoral fellow at the National Cancer Institute, specializing in cancer health disparities and the role of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) in cancer risk. My research explores how somatic mutations and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol contribute to cancer, particularly in underrepresented populations, while also investigating the effects of social and lifestyle factors on CH. Outside of science, I enjoy playing and watching sports, and spending time with my niece and family, which keeps me grounded and balanced.