Afrah Mohamed

• The study focused on optimizing golden gate modules along with co-evolution culture studies of Erwinia amylovora.
• Created thoughtful processes while designing research aspects.

• Collaborated on group projects to complete professional deliverables.
• This study investigated a putative Ap4A hydrolase in the fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis. Identified as an orthologue of S. cerevisiae Apa protein, its function was analyzed using genetic and biochemical approaches, Metabolomic approaches were done to identify the in-vitro nucleotide levels. Knockouts are created, Infection assays, Protein purification followed by hydrolysis and kinetic assays using HPLC, crystallization and structure of the protein is determined.

Semester project: Automated Cell Segmentation in Mycobacterium smegmatis

• Gained valuable experience working within automated cell segmentation, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
• Analyzed single cells of M. smegmatis using microfluidics and developed automated cell segmentation techniques to enhance accuracy and efficiency in tracking cellular parameters from time-lapse microscopy.
• Focused on reducing manual errors and improving cell boundary identification in clustered bacterial images.

Semester project: Golden gate cloning in Rice-Fungal Pathosystem

• Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
• Semester project: Golden gate cloning in Rice-Fungal Pathosystem Aug 2023 -Nov 2023.
• Cloned full-length coding sequences of a candidate gene from rice-magnaporthe pathosystem into Gateway entry and destination vectors.

Summer Internship: Wet Lab Techniques and Molecular Biology

• Gained hands-on experience with key wet lab techniques, including Western blot, MIC, Growth curves, RT-PCR, FACS and classical cloning.
• Performed advanced assays like TMRE, NBDG, and DCFDA.
• Conducted cell splitting, mice dissection (bone marrow and peritoneal fluid extraction), and used AFM and Raman spectroscopy for biological samples.
• Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
• Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
• Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.

Winter internship: Practical Python Application and Learning Solved

• Solved Python exercises and developing a understanding of basic concepts in Python and equipped with valuable problem-solving skills.
• Solved Python exercises and developing a understanding of basic concepts in Python and equipped with valuable problem-solving skills.

Summer Internship: Plant-Based Product Separation and Analysis.

• Analyzed and purified plant compounds using chromatography and HPLC.
• Used mass analysis (X Caliber) and structure prediction (MS Novelist) for compound identification.
• Explored new technologies and approaches to streamline processes.
• Utilized strong communication abilities during presentations which led to increased understanding among colleagues regarding project goals and objectives.