I am a PhD student in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Merced, where my research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of RNA-mediated gene regulation. My academic training includes a background in biochemistry and chemistry, with prior experience in synthetic chemistry and organometallic systems, which I now apply toward understanding biological processes at a quantitative and mechanistic level.
My current research investigates the interactions between microRNAs and the Argonaute2 (AGO2) protein, which together form the core of the RNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC). This system plays a central role in post-transcriptional gene regulation and has broad implications for human health, as disruptions in these pathways are associated with diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. My work aims to directly quantify how miRISC recognizes and binds to target RNA sequences, with a particular focus on the rates of target association and dissociation.
To accomplish this, I use in vitro biochemical reconstitution combined with quantitative biophysical approaches to measure binding kinetics under controlled conditions. By systematically varying RNA sequence features, miRNA architecture, and AGO2 structure, my research seeks to define how these factors collectively influence target recognition and binding stability. These insights contribute to a more predictive and mechanistic understanding of RNA-based gene regulation.
More broadly, my research is motivated by the potential to translate fundamental biochemical insights into therapeutic strategies. A detailed understanding of RNA-targeting mechanisms is essential for the design of RNA-based therapeutics, including small interfering RNAs and antisense oligonucleotides. Through this work, I aim to contribute to the development of more precise and effective approaches for modulating gene expression in disease contexts.
