Recently graduated Ph.D. student looking for an opportunity to add my biological expertise and value. I am a dedicated and highly motivated individual who seeks to produce at the highest level. Someone with strong intrapersonal skills who can benefit any work environment and always gives 100%.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Doctoral Researcher
Tennessee State University
08.2021 - Current
Current research deals with drug delivery, specifically the micro-encapsulation of CBD for the modulation of gut health using industrial hemp
This research aims to add value to industrial hemp waste for the benefit of farmers and the environment, evaluate the effects of hemp protein used as an encapsulation material for drug delivery, and evaluate the effects of Cannabidiol on gut microbiota to determine the promotion or demotion of gut health
Methodologies include Cannabinoid extraction, particle formulation and fabrication, evaluation of encapsulant properties (in-vitro release studies via simulated gastric and intestinal digestion system, encapsulation efficiency, stability studies), HPLC profiling, hemp protein extraction, hemp protein physicochemical property evaluation (water & oil holding capacity, surface tension, solubility, zeta potential & droplet size), emulsion preparation, emulsion stability, microbial growth evaluation, fecal sample evaluation, and in-vivo mice studies.
Regulatory Affairs Associate (Internship)
Virpax Pharmaceuticals, inc.
05.2021 - Current
Monitor the regulatory environment, interpret changes, analyze gaps and support the conduct of impact assessment on product portfolio
Support regulatory activities to acquire and maintain product registration status
Develop and implement regulatory strategies to meet project goals
Basic working knowledge of the drug development process
Knowledge of US FDA drug laws, regulations, guidelines and policies, and the Health Authority Organizational structure and processes for reviewing and approving drug submissions
Partner with other functions to define and generate data to assist with regulatory submissions
Keep abreast of current and pending approvals in specific therapeutic areas (Pain Management)
Mentored 1:1 by Chief Scientific Officer.
Adjunct Faculty (Anatomy & Physiology/Introduction to Biology)
Tennessee State University
08.2016 - 05.2021
Developed stimulating lessons, exams and activities that correlated with curriculum standards
Lead classroom lectures
Lead and/or assisted in selecting and teaching laboratory experiments consistent with scientific methods
Enhanced student comprehension by creating interactive lectures and incorporating multimedia resources.
Collaborated with fellow faculty members to develop innovative teaching strategies for improved learning outcomes.
Incorporated diverse instructional techniques to accommodate various learning styles within the classroom setting.
Managed course materials through an online learning management system for easy accessibility by students and colleagues alike.
Advised and mentored students on academic progress, career goals, and personal development.
Undergraduate Researcher
Tennessee State University
08.2010 - 05.2014
Assisted in researching and evaluating the effects of plant extracts on various breast cancer cell lines.
Developed top-level skills in collaboration, interpersonal communication and writing through hands-on work and training.
Demonstrated exceptional time management skills while balancing multiple tasks including coursework, part-time employment, extracurricular activities alongside research responsibilities.
Education
Ph.D. - Biological Sciences/Agriculture
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
06.2024
Master of Science - Biological Sciences
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
05.2014
Skills
Great leadership qualities
Strong Work Ethic
Excellent presentation skills
Good communication (oral and written), and strong interpersonal skills
Ability to interpret and translate clinical data
Project management skills and ability to prioritize and multi-task
Current research deals with drug delivery, specifically the micro-encapsulation of CBD for the modulation of gut health using industrial hemp. This research aims to add value to industrial hemp waste for the benefit of farmers and the environment, evaluate the effects of hemp protein used as an encapsulation material for drug delivery, and evaluate the effects of cannabidiol on gut microbiota to determine the promotion or demotion of gut health. Methodologies include cannabinoid extraction, particle formulation and fabrication, evaluation of encapsulant properties (in-vitro release studies via simulated gastric and intestinal digestion system, encapsulation efficiency, stability studies), HPLC profiling, hemp protein extraction, hemp protein physicochemical property evaluation (water & oil holding capacity, surface tension, solubility, zeta potential & droplet size), emulsion preparation, emulsion stability, microbial growth evaluation, fecal sample evaluation, and in-vivo mice studies.
Publications
The Utilization of Hemp Biomass Waste: Physicochemical Properties of Protein Isolated from Leaves, Flowers, and Stems of Industrial Hemp after Cannabidiol Extraction, (Pending work)
The Utilization of Hemp Biomass Waste: Profiling, Quantification, and Stability of Cannabidiol Isolated from Leaves, Flowers, and Stems of Industrial Hemp, (Pending work)
The Utilization of Hemp Biomass Waster: Modulation of Gut Microbiota using Microencapsulated Cannabidiol from Industrial Hemp, (Pending work)
Conference Presentations
American Chemical Society '23, San Francisco, CA, 2023; The Utilization of Hemp Biomass Waste: Physicochemical Properties of Protein Isolated from Leaves, Flowers, and Stems of Industrial Hemp after Cannabidiol Extraction,
44th Annual Tennessee State University-Wide Research Symposium, Nashville, TN, 2022; The Microencapsulation of Cannabidiol using Natural Polymers by Freeze Drying to Modulate Gut Microbiota and Enhance Gut Health,
Training
NIDA Clinical Trials Network Good Clinical Practice Training 2023
Regulatory Education for Industry (REdI) Annual Conference 2023
Entrepreneurship for Biomedicine (E4B) Program 2022
DIA 2021 Global Annual Meeting
Awards
NSF RISE
Title III Preparing Our Students Unique in STEM (POTUS) Fellowship
Academic Merit Achievement Award
International Scholar Laureate
Affiliations
Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Member, American Chemical Society (Agriculture)
Member, Golden Key International
Timeline
Doctoral Researcher
Tennessee State University
08.2021 - Current
Regulatory Affairs Associate (Internship)
Virpax Pharmaceuticals, inc.
05.2021 - Current
Adjunct Faculty (Anatomy & Physiology/Introduction to Biology)
Events Coordinator at East Tennessee State University — Student Activities Organization (SAO), Buctainment Staff ProgrammerEvents Coordinator at East Tennessee State University — Student Activities Organization (SAO), Buctainment Staff Programmer