Developmental Genetics and Zebrafish Research

My primary research experience is in the Shull Lab at the University of New Mexico, where I use zebrafish as a model organism to study craniofacial and pectoral fin development. My current project focuses on prdm3 and prdm16, two epigenetic regulators that may influence downstream gene expression during early development.

Through this work, I investigate how changes in these genes affect cartilage formation, fin morphology, developmental patterning, and left-right symmetry. I have gained hands-on experience with PCR, genotyping, microdissections, microscopy, cartilage staining, Hybridization Chain Reaction imaging, image quantification, and statistical analysis.

This research has strengthened my interest in developmental biology and in understanding how genetic and epigenetic regulation contributes to normal development and disease.