Ashwarya Handa

BSL2 responsibilities include media preparation, performing gel electrophoresis, TKO, and CPS1 harvest and quantification. Culturing live attenuated Coccidioses spp. I also assist in training new hires in our lab.

Galleria Mellonella Model: as an undergraduate research assistant, assisted in developing Galleria as our animal model for vaccinations and further experiments. It included making inoculations, vaccinations, and regular checks for inoculation.

Animal Biological Safety Level 3(ABSL3): To assist in a high containment lab, intense training is needed, including a variety of certifications. My ABSL3 responsibilities are focused on inoculation of clinical isolates of Coccidioides in the Galleria mellonella model, performing advanced handling on murine models, and evaluating animal health. Additionally, responsible for cage prep.

• Managed front desk operations, ensuring efficient check-in and check-out processes.
• Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
• Coordinated appointments and schedules for staff and visitors, optimizing office workflow.
• Maintained accurate records of guest information and transactions in database systems.

• Worked over 300 hours in a pediatric dental office after earning my dental assistant certification
• Assisted the dentist during routine exams and surgical procedures, while also performing coronal polishing and managing instrument sterilization.
• Helped with front desk tasks like prepping the office and making appointment calls.
• Focused on creating a calm, fun, and welcoming environment for young patients — helping ease dental anxiety and making each visit a positive experience.
• Experiences that I gained while being a DA helped my understanding of dental needs in the community on a deeper level and I am very grateful for this opportunity and strengthening my urge to pursue dentistry in the future.