Presenting Author
Rutgers, Rutgers
My long-term research interests involve the development of a comprehensive understanding of key developmental pathways and how alterations in gene expression contribute to disease development and progression. My academic training and research experience to date have provided me with an excellent background in molecular biology and metabolism regulation. I have the theoretical background, laboratory training, expertise, and motivation required to successfully carry out state of the art research. I have a solid background in biochemistry and metabolism, nutrition, dietetics, and metabolism regulation with specific training and expertise in adipose tissue metabolism research during diet-induced obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). My research revolves around white and brown adipose tissue cellularity characterization under adiposity development, as well as gene and protein expression analyses, histology, in vivo assays, and handling of small animal models. As a Ph.D. candidate, I built upon previous research generated in Dr. Storch’s lab and Dr. Sidossis’s research to bridge the field of enterocyte lipid trafficking, diet-induced obesity, and adipose tissue metabolism in the regulation of whole-body energy homeostasis. I capitalized on previous scientific evidence and developed the hypotheses that delineate the aims for my thesis project with a special focus on establishing mechanisms of potential inter-organ communication for energy homeostasis. In addition, I have successfully mentored three undergraduate students so far, whose implication in my thesis project was their first research experience. My involvement in the Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, attendance of seminars focused both on adipose tissue biology and other topics of metabolism, and my interaction with researchers of different backgrounds have rendered frequent communication with advisors and colleagues, as well as being apprised of new trends in the field the cornerstone of my training and have underlined the importance of constructing a realistic research plan, timeline, and budget.