My research interests lie at the intersection of RNA biology and reproductive biology, focusing on the contributions of RNA to oocyte quality and embryonic viability. Transcriptomic changes are associated with compromised oocyte quality. In turn, oocyte quality is intrinsically linked to fertility outcomes. Yet, little is known of the mechanisms by which these transcriptomic changes arise and how they contribute to cellular and metabolic health of oocytes. Transcriptomic changes are particularly important when transcription is undetectable during the oocyte-to-embryo transition. RNA modifications are central regulators of RNA stability and translation. Tailing is the addition of nucleotides to the 3' end of RNA molecules in an untemplated manner.  

Leveraging the oocyte-to-embryo transition in C. elegans, and using high-throughput genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches, work in my lab will seek to 1) identify determinants of tail length and composition; 2) understand how tail length and composition modulate RNA stability and translation in different molecular contexts;  3) characterize the physiological consequences of RNA tailing in the context of oogenesis and early embryogenesis; and 4) determine the effects of detrimental factors, like egg-donor age, diet or environmental stressors, on RNA tailing. This work aims to identify evolutionarily conserved pathways and mechanisms that contribute to successful oogenesis and instruct future RNA-centric therapies for assisted reproductive technologies.  

My teaching implements hands-on active-learning strategies that provide a constant developmental perspective to core biology concepts. Both my research and teaching will also focus on post-transcriptional gene expression and nucleic acid biochemistry. I am excited to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the classroom and at the bench.  My objective is for every one of my students to have a basic understanding of the biology in their own bodies and the world around them, as well as key analytical and critical thinking skills they can use in all aspects of their lives – whether they are interested in a future career in science or not.