I have a background in biochemistry, biophysics, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging sciences, with training and expertise in radioisotope applications in medicine, nanotechnology, and cancer biology. I have taught courses for undergraduate and graduate health sciences students in a problem-based learning approach for many years. I have a record of successful post-doctoral research which includes the use of nanoparticles for modulation of free radicals in radiation therapy, and the upregulation of sodium iodide symporter for theranostic applications in hepatocellular and breast cancers. As a PI or co-investigator of university- and foundation-funded grants, I have paved the groundwork for developing a research portfolio by demonstrating that unmodified cerium oxide nanoparticles modulating reactive oxygen species can be effectively localized in cancer cell compartments using reflectance structured illumination imaging without cytotoxicity, and also that doxorubicin can effectively be used to endogenously upregulate sodium iodide symporter in breast and hepatocellular cancer cells. In addition, I successfully administered the projects by involving undergraduate and graduate student participation, ensuring research protections, maintaining budget, collaborating with other researchers, and producing peer-reviewed publications and abstracts with my students. I have translated my academic, clinical, and research strengths to teaching many foundational and advanced courses in biochemistry, physiology, and pathophysiology for the master’s degree programs in nuclear medicine technology, health physics, and biomedical health sciences programs. I also use the principles of team based learning to help students effectively transition from the comprehension and analysis levels of knowledge, to its synthesis and evaluation levels. I enjoy mentoring at risk students, and currently serve as a mentor for a county elementary school student mentoring program.
