I obtained my PhD in biochemistry at centre for prions and protein folding diseases (CPPFD) of University of Alberta, Canada. Working under supervision of Prof. David Westaway, I studied conformational changes of misfolded protein assemblies and their correlation with neuroimmune responses in prion and tauopathy mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases. I graduated in 2020 and due to the Covid-19 restrictions at the time and family circumstances, I had to postpone any moving plans for my postdoc. Fortunately, I found a great postdoctoral opportunity in research group of Prof. Matthew Macauley at University of Alberta, wherein I focused on understanding the role of human CD33 protein isoforms on microglial responses to AD in vivo.
In 2023, I joined the research group of Prof. Mathew Blurton-Jones at University of California Irvine. The Blurton-Jones lab has pioneered the protocol for human microglia differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iMG), and transplantation of iMG in chimeric mouse models. My research in Blurton-Jones lab focuses on studying protective microglial responses in the context of Alzheimer's disease, and development of novel tools for reengineering microglia in vivo. My ultimate research goal is to decipher mechanistic links between microglial inflammatory states with metabolism and bioenergetics, and how this paradigm contributes to AD pathogenesis.
Outside the lab I like to spend my time gardening, swimming (open water and pool) and cooking.