I study the dynamic Interactions between oncogenic extracellular vesicles and adipose stem cells. Extracellular vesicles derived from breast cancer cells are known to play an important role in cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, it is not well understood how extracellular vesicles interact with healthy cells leading to cell transformation, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. Therefore, I aim to study the dynamic interactions happening at the surface of adipose stem cells and oncogenic extracellular vesicles leading to malignant biological outcomes. To do so, I created extracellular vesicles derived supported bilayers as a cell culture platform to understand the interactions between adipose stem cells and the surface of extracellular vesicles. In the same manner, I use adipose stem cells derived supported bilayers and isolated extracellular vesicles to study the interactions leading to entrance and cargo delivery of extracellular vesicles in stem cells. Such interactions are investigated using techniques as FRAP, TIRFM, and Single Particle Tracking (SPT). The goals of my research are to uncover and explain the nature of these interactions.

 

Professional Development

As part of my professional development, I work with diversity programs in engineering (DPE) as the graduate coordinator of LSAMP. I mainly work with undergraduate students from underrepresented minorities in their preparation to attend graduate school after graduation. As an underrepresented minority student myself, I think it is essential to give back to the society the help that I received one time to be where I am now. That is one of the many motivations I must help very talented undergraduate students in their path to grad school.

 

Fun Facts

Besides my passion for research, I enjoy cooking diverse recipes, doing arts and crafts, trying new restaurants, and traveling around the world. When I am not thinking and working on my project, I am looking for the new traveling adventure I want to take.