UC Davis Health. Laboratory for Cell Nanoengineering
Sacramento, CA
07.2024 - Current
Managed all aspects of laboratory operations, including staff training, workflow coordination, inventory management, supply procurement, and enforcement of safety and compliance protocols.
Conducted cell culture experiments and cell viability assays to evaluate cellular responses to experimental treatments.
Operated and maintained USPA (Ultrasound Photoacoustic) imaging systems to capture high-resolution images and monitored tumor growth through ultrasound imaging in preclinical models.
Performed in vivo studies involving mice, including orthotopic tumor implantations, organ harvesting, and blood collection to support ongoing research objectives.
Conducted molecular biology assays, including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and qPCR, to quantify gene expression changes in tissue and cultured cell samples following experimental treatments.
Presented research findings at national and institutional conferences and symposia to communicate results and foster scientific collaboration.
Served as first author of a peer-reviewed review paper published in an academic journal, focusing on pediatric cancers and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Research Assistant
UC Davis. Bales Lab
Davis, California
08.2021 - 06.2024
Managed a prairie vole colony, including handling, pairing, and weaning animals to support ongoing behavioral and neurobiological research.
Oversaw seahorse husbandry and handling, contributing to behavioral studies and ensuring animal health and welfare.
Conducted behavioral assays such as partner preference tests, Barnes Maze, stress buffering, and social reward assessments to investigate neural and behavioral mechanisms.
Performed tissue and blood collections from prairie voles, including brain extractions and tail bleeds, to facilitate molecular and genetic analyses.
Monitored post-surgical recovery and administered subcutaneous pain medication to ensure humane and ethical animal care.
Conducted Hi-Plex in situ hybridization assays and fluorescent imaging to analyze gene expression within brain tissue.
Developed ethograms to standardize behavioral test scoring, ensuring consistent and reliable data collection.
Trained and scheduled new laboratory personnel, enhancing team productivity and research efficiency.
Residential Mentor
Redwood SEED Scholars, UC Davis
Davis, CA
08.2021 - 03.2022
Mentored individuals through the transition from living with parents to independent living in a college dormitory.
Supported individuals in navigating challenges, building self-esteem, and coping with stress or difficult situations.
Assisted with the development of essential life skills, including personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning, money management, and time management.
Facilitated the development of social skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
Collaborated with individuals to identify personal goals and create actionable plans related to education, employment, independent living, and social integration.
Encouraged and empowered individuals to build independence and autonomy while providing appropriate guidance and support as needed.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Neurobiology and Behavior
University of California, Davis
Davis, California
06.2024
Certification
Good Clinical Practice(GCP)- NIDA Clinical Trials -3/2024
Languages
Arabic
Timeline
Laboratory Manager and Research Assistant
UC Davis Health. Laboratory for Cell Nanoengineering
<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC