The focus of my research is to understand the mechanisms involved in proximal tubule repair after ischemic injury. The repair process involves many different proteins, signaling pathways, and cellular processes. My current research focuses on how endolyn/CD164 influences the cell cycle in proximal tubule repair.Resume
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EXPERIENCE
Research Instructor
University of Pittsburgh
January 2012 – Present (3 years 8 months)Greater Pittsburgh Area
The focus of my research is to understand the mechanisms involved in proximal tubule repair after ischemic injury. The repair processes involves many different proteins, signaling pathways, and cellular processes. Of particular interest is the sialomucin protein endolyn/CD164 that is highly expressed in the endosomes and apical surface of polarized proximal tubule cells. Although endolyn influences proliferation and migration in various cell types, how it modulates these pathways in proximal tubule cells is not known. My current research focuses on how endolyn/CD164 influences the cell cycle in proximal tubule repair.
Instructor for biology lab
University of Pittsburgh
January 2015 – April 2015 (4 months)Greater Pittsburgh Area
I taught 2 undergraduate biology labs covering various topics, like molecular biology, genetics, animal development, and botany. I provided constructive verbal and written feedback to students on exams, assignments, and presentations. I also met on a weekly basis with other instructors to discuss and construct effective labs, quizzes and exams.
In addition to guiding the students through the coursework, I aimed to help them connect the coursework to real life applications. The students were amazingly open and shared their career goals were, their challenges and accomplishments, and even their weekend plans. I truly enjoyed sharing my experiences with them and advising the students about future careers.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
June 2007 – December 2011 (4 years 7 months)Greater Pittsburgh Area
Research Assistant II
R&D Systems
August 1998 – August 2000 (2 years 1 month)Minneapolis, MN
EDUCATION
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Immunology
2000 – 2006
As a graduate student I studied the association between the L-selectin and the cytoskeleton in neutrophils and neutrophil-like cells and found that the cytoplasmic domain of L-selectin is critical for regulating its ligand binding and distribution in the plasma membrane.
University of Minnesota
BS, Nutrition Science
1989 – 1994
VOLUNTEER
Mentor
Food for Thought (East Liberty Presbyterian Church)
August 2015 – Present (1 month)
Food 4 Thought: Mentoring is a no-cost learning support and enrichment program for 4th through 8th graders which is aimed to equip and encourage children and youth through the exploration and enjoyment of food. This one-on-one mentoring program will reinforce skills known to be necessary for success in and out of school. The central theme of food and thinking will come to life in one-on-one mentoring relationships.”
Causes Polly cares about:
~ Economic Empowerment
~ Education
~ Environment
~ Human Rights
~ Poverty Alleviation
~ Science and Technology
~ Preserving pollinators
CERTIFICATION
Preparing Future Faculty
University of Minnesota
Starting January 2005
PROJECTS
“Different than me” workshop
January 2014
Tutoring Think Tank (East Liberty Presbyterian Church)
December 2013 – February 2014
