It is my goal to collaborate with individuals in the Biology department at Jackson State University and to establish my research laboratory to investigate the roles of multiple signaling pathways on enhancing endogenous repair using the barrel cortex stroke rodent model. More specifically our goal is to use a mouse model indifferent genetically modified mice models. I have the experience, dedication, and enthusiasm to make significant contributions to this project due to my background and training in the field of neurology and only have spent almost 3 years working with the stroke mice model while at Emory University as a FIRST postdoctoral fellow. During my graduate research studies, I sought to discover the role of Toll Like Receptors on Mouse embryonic stem cells and understand their function. More specifically my study focused on role of Toll Like Receptor 2 on proliferation, survival, NF-Kß translocation, and cytokine mRNA expression in LIF-maintained mouse embryonic stem cells. I discovered that Toll Like Receptor 2 mediates the latter and this data was published in 2010 in Stem Cells and Development.Not only have I obtained valuable research experience in graduate school I also gained research experience in undergraduate. I gained hematology/immunology experience in Dr. Fast laboratory at Brown University studying the effects on UV radiation on human blood that is transplanted into a hemophilia mouse model while at Tougaloo College. After graduating Tougaloo I attended JSU for my Masters and I gained Microbiology experience in Dr. Kaplan studying the STAT4 signaling pathway and Dr. Dent’s laboratory studying the effects of BLIMP1 on B cell activity during the summers at Indiana University.
In each case I have made significant contributions to the studies to the studies conducted on efforts to better understand human conditions and disease using signaling mechanisms models involved in development of stem cells. With nearly fourteen years of research experience I have gained a plethora of knowledge about many different scientific disciplines as well as many different techniques and ways to solve problems. I am a highly motivated, inquisitive, fast learning individual who works well independently as well as collaboratively. I am very excited to continue to work in the field of neurology and anesthesiology and look forward to expanding my knowledge and skill set in completing the goals of the proposed projects.