ResearchResearch AssistantJan 2025 — Dec 2025University of Pittsburgh
Apodaca Lab
Cell-biology research in the Apodaca Lab (Pitt School of Medicine) — culturing primary bladder urothelial cells to study PIEZO / TMEM63 stretch-mechanotransduction.
Context
The Apodaca Lab (PI: Dr. Gerard Apodaca, Pitt School of Medicine) studies urothelial biology and mechanotransduction in the lower urinary tract.
I cultured primary bladder urothelial cells for studies of PIEZO / TMEM63 stretch-mechanotransduction, and contributed figures toward manuscripts and grant submissions — the kind of careful, reproducible bench work that underpins good research.
What I did
- —Cultured primary bladder urothelial cells for studies of PIEZO / TMEM63 stretch-mechanotransduction under Dr. Gerard Apodaca.
- —Used sterile technique, prepared buffer solutions, and maintained cell cultures and organoid models across ongoing studies.
- —Collected and analyzed experimental data, tracking results across replicates and flagging inconsistencies.
- —Contributed figures and data summaries toward lab manuscripts and grant submissions; participated in weekly lab meetings.
- Cell Biology
- Urothelial
- Mechanotransduction
- Wet Lab