Studer Lab: 2018-present (UIUC)
- Involved in identifying possible new mutants of the pr1 gene (leads to accumulation of red pigments in corn) by testing various RNA primers through PCR and gel electrophoresis under direction of Anthony Studer
- Used TOPO® TA Cloning® Kit for Sequencing, DNA purification techniques and NanoDrop™ spectrophotometer to investigate chosen RNA primers
- Used microscopy techniques to view stomatal imprints for tetraploid or diploid traits in popcorn hybrids
- Performed DNA isolation on grasses (S. laxum, A. villosa, S. hians) for photosynthesis research
- Involved in the care and propagation of grasses (S. laxum, A. villosa, S. hians) for photosynthetic research
- Participated in popcorn selection to produce desirable kernels
- Shelled, prepared, and harvested corn for genetic analysis
2018 Undergraduate Research Assistant (UIC)
- Performed soil organic matter analysis (SOM) under Amanda Henderson relating to symbiotic relationships within food webs between microarthropods and mycorrhizae
- Involved in the preparation of soil samples for pH measurements
2018 UIC Plant Laboratory Volunteer
- Learned basic plant propagation, pest identification, and greenhouse operations under greenhouse manager Matthew Frazel
- Helped set up above-ground beds for growing leafy vegetables
- Assisted in setting up beehives for the 2018 Summer season