SUMMARY & HIGHLIGHTS
Choreographer, former military linguist, & multiple sclerosis (MS) research scientist fighting MS
Fiercely motivated veteran, determined to help others with MS both in the U.S. & overseas
Developed patent-pending treatment that induces remission & remyelinates brain lesions
Determining etiology of MS via molecular characterization & ongoing development of treatment
EAE model experiments & molecular work on: de/re-myelination; PADi2 gene; epigenetics: bisulfite conversion, DNA methylation; inflammation; autoimmunity; CNS histology; flow cytometry; cognitive & behavioral dysfunction
Post-graduate research volunteer at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
Founder: Willison Foundation & Global MS Society
Focus: restoring systemic homeostatic regulation in MS & inflammatory neurological autoimmune disorders
RESEARCH CONCENTRATIONS
Personal Experience Overcoming & Researching MS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2000-present
Neurological Autoimmune Diseases …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2003-present
Disease-Modifying Therapies …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2003-present
Systemic Disease ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2006-present
Nutritional Biochemistry …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2006-present
Herbal Medicine ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2006-present
Dietary Supplements ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2006-present
Cellular & Molecular Biology …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2012-present
EDUCATION (civilian)
MS Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Biology (Molecular) ….…..…...........................………………...........………………….. Dec 2020
Thesis: “The effects of a modified ketogenic diet on clinical, behavioral, genetic, and demyelinating inflammatory immune responses in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis”
BS Saint Vincent College, Biology (Cell and Molecular) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. May 2017
Thesis: “A modified ketogenic diet attenuates motor disability and cognitive dysfunction in a murine model of multiple sclerosis”
LAB SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Indiana, Pa …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2018-present
C57BL/6J mouse colony breeding, animal husbandry, & management
Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) experimental study design & execution
Clinical disability scoring of the mouse EAE model: animal handling, data acquisition, management, & analysis
Cylinder test for CNS asymmetry: protocol development, execution, scoring, & data analysis
Euthanasia (CO2/cervical dislocation), tissue collection & preservation: brain, optic nerve, spinal cord, liver, spleen
Cryostat: restoration, troubleshooting & repair, maintenance and operation
Cryostat: preparing, mounting, & sectioning of fresh and preserved tissue specimens (CNS, liver, spleen)
Histology: subbing slides & lab prep for experiments
Histology: protocol development & execution: luxol fast blue (LFB), cresyl violet (CV), hematoxylin & eosin (H&E)
Histology: myelin integrity, demyelination, degeneration and regeneration, inflammation
Immunohistochemistry: protocol development for detection of microglia, macrophage, leukocytes
Immunohistochemistry: immunofluorescence staining with antibodies
Immunohistochemistry: compound & confocal microscopy & imaging slides
Flow cytometer (BD Accuri™ C6 Plus): restoration, maintenance, troubleshooting, quality control
Flow cytometry: neural tissue dissociation, cell enumeration & phenotyping
Database acquisition, development, & maintenance
Writing expertise: grant-writing, scientific writing, manuscripts for publication, peer-review
LAB SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2012-2017
Research and development of a novel treatment for MS, tested on C57BL/6 mice with EAE
EAE experimental study design and execution
Clinical disability scoring of the mouse EAE model: animal handling, data acquisition & analysis
Morris Water Maze and Y-Maze: construction, videography, experimentation, & analysis
RNA: isolation and extraction, reverse transcription (cDNA), RT-PCR amplification, analysis
DNA: extraction, spectrophotometric quantitation, PCR amplification, agarose gel electrophoresis
DNA methylation analysis: bisulfite conversion, primer design, cloning
DNA cloning: isolation, restriction enzyme digestion, purification, ligation, transformation, selection
Plasmids: (miniprep) isolation, purification, transformation, amplification
Preparation of competent cells
Bacterial cell culture propagation
Light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, UV spectrophotometry/transillumination
HONORS AND AWARDS
Graduate Assistantship, Indiana University of Pennsylvania ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 2018-2019
3 Minute Thesis Winner, Indiana University of Pennsylvania ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2019
ACADEMIC SOCIETIES AND MEMBERSHIPS
Women in Bio ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2020-present
Pennsylvania Academy of Science ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2019-present
Society for Neuroscience ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2018-present
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2018-present
RESEARCH GRANTS
Pennsylvania Academy of Science (2019) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… $350.00
IUP School of Graduate Studies and Research (2019) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. $1,000.00
IUP Biology Department (2019) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… $1,200.00
Saint Vincent College, A.J. Palumbo Student Research Endowment Fund (2016) ………………………………………………………….. $900.00
Saint Vincent College Biology Department (2016) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. $300.00
PRESENTATIONS
Master’s Thesis Defense. Oral Presentation, “The effects of a modified ketogenic diet on clinical, behavioral, genetic, and demyelinating inflammatory immune responses in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis,” Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pa, October 2020.
Graduate Scholar’s Forum. Poster Presentation, “Effects of a modified ketogenic diet on clinical, behavioral, neural and immunological markers of pathology in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis,” Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Indiana, Pa, May 2020.
International Conference. Poster Presentation, “Effects of a modified ketogenic diet on motor and cognitive function, peptidylarginine deiminase 2 expression, neural and immune cells in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis,” Neuroscience 2019: Society for Neuroscience (SfN). Chicago, IL, October 2019.
Behavioral Neuroscience Journal Club. Oral Lecture, “The influence of diet on multiple sclerosis and its impact on cognition and behavior,” Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Indiana, Pa, April, 2019.
Graduate Scholars Forum. Oral Presentation, “The impact of a modified ketogenic diet on autoimmunity in a murine model of multiple sclerosis,” Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Indiana, Pa, April 2019.
National Conference. Oral Presentation, “A modified ketogenic diet attenuates motor disability and cognitive impairment in a murine model of multiple sclerosis,” National Conference for Undergraduate Studies (NCUR). Memphis, TN, April 2017.
Undergraduate Conference. Oral Presentation, “A modified ketogenic diet attenuates motor disability and cognitive dysfunction in a murine model of multiple sclerosis,” Saint Vincent College Academic Conference. Latrobe, Pa, May 2017.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Choreographer, Pazaz Christian Dance Academy, Greensburg, Pa ………………………………………………………………………… 2012- present
Technical disciplines: acrobatics, special needs, ballet, tap, jazz, flexibility, body conditioning
Translate ideas into movements: instruction to enrich and develop dancers’ skills
Assertive communication skills: promote interdisciplinary instruction with assistants
Assist with planning and production of large events & coordinate seamless performances
Unite diverse groups of people through creative movements, routines, & team building
Language Tutor, Latrobe and Greensburg, Pa ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2012-present
Provide individual language instruction to college students
Teach written & spoken foreign languages at the students’ individual levels
Specialties: Russian, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Supervisor of Home Education Program, Derry Area & Kiski Area School District …………………………………………. 2010-present
Provision of instruction in required subjects and electives grades K-12
Develop appropriate individual educational objectives, curriculum, & produce academic transcripts
Comply with state and national mandates for standardized testing
Submit notarized affidavits, yearly evaluations & portfolios to school district
MILITARY SERVICE
United States Army …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1996-2006
Military Occupational Specialty: 98G
Signal Intelligence Electronic Warfare Specialist
Obtained and maintained a Top-Secret Security Clearance (TS/SCI)
Provided electronic warfare support to military intelligence operations in U.S. and abroad
Detected, identified and exploited foreign communications during voice intercept operations
Supervised subordinates in Signal Intelligence operations
Conducted troubleshooting and maintenance on various electronic warfare equipment & systems
Traveled to several international locations to complete assigned missions
Human Intelligence Specialist (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southern Europe, Balkan region)
Gathered information from human sources and translated into target languages
Provided strategic information about strengths, weaknesses, and locations of potential threats
Completed tactical missions requiring careful observation and discretion in hazardous foreign environments
Analyzed and evaluated intelligence data and released Human Intelligence documents
Provided guidance to commanders on the interpretation of acquired intelligence information
Department of Defense Linguist
Provided linguistic support to tactical intelligence teams and command operations
Gathered and analyzed intercepted foreign information (Signal Intelligence operations)
Translated and analyzed information in target languages (Human Intelligence operations)
Acted as cultural advisor/mediator during vital operations at home and abroad
Performed simultaneous interpretation during meetings with sources
Command Language Program Manager Assistant
Reviewed, coordinated, recommended language training in support of intelligence operations
Managed language databases (INSCOM Language Management System) for linguists at Ft. Carson, Co
Provided linguistic, analytical, and training support to U.S. military intelligence soldiers
Managed an entire foreign language library containing materials in more than 100 languages
FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND PROFICIENCIES
Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian……..Distinguished Listener, Advanced Speaker, Distinguished Reading & Writing
Ukrainian, Polish, Slovenian, Czech……………. Advanced Listener, Novice Speaker, Advanced Reading, Novice Writing
Japanese, French, Spanish……………………………………….… Intermediate Listener, Novice Speaker, Novice Reading & Writing
MILITARY EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND DEPLOYMENTS
Operation Joint Forge ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Bosnia and Herzegovina
Peace Stabilization Force (SFOR) ………………………………………………………………………………………………… Southern Europe and Balkans
Basic Russian Language Course,DLIFLC ……………………………………………………………………………………………… Presidio of Monterey, Ca
Voice Interceptor Course ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Goodfellow Air Force Base, Tx
Serbian-Croatian Cryptologic Linguist Course (DLI, MTT & VT) …………………………………………………………………………… Ft. Hood, Tx
Polish Proficiency Improvement Course ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Fort Carson, Co
Communication Electronic Warfare Equipment Operations ………………………………………………………………………. Ft. Huachuca, Az
Communication Electronic Warfare Operations …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Ft. Huachuca, Az
Basic Combat Training ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Fort Jackson, Sc
MILITARY DECORATIONS AND AWARDS
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
NATO Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
Army Lapel Button
Army Service Ribbon
Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar
Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar
Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver Bar