Graduate Student
University of California, Davis
My current research efforts consist of the investigation of the molecular basis of chronic disease with a focus on type 2 diabetes and its complications. I utilize gene knockout mouse and cell models to study the role of protein tyrosine phosphatases in the kidney in metabolic regulation. Specifically, I study the role of Src homology phosphatase 2 (Shp2) in the molecular and cellular development of diabetic kidney disease. A bachelor's and master's degree from Framingham State University in Food and Nutrition with a Concentration in Dietetics provides me with a strong nutrition background and prepared me for nutritional biology research. Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) allows me to see the clinical manifestations of the diseases I study today.