In my graduate studies in the Wagers Lab, I aim to advance gene editing in skeletal and cardiac muscle diseases. Currently, I am working on developing novel small cis-regulatory elements (aka mini-promoters) for expression in satellite cells (skeletal muscle stem cells) that will both fit into single AAV vectors for efficient delivery, but importantly also express specifically in the cell type of interest to avoid off-target toxicity. In parallel, I am working on developing mini-promoters for cardiomyocytes. Secondly, aside from my main project, I am working on testing ways to preserve the myo-environment before gene editing to slow irreversible muscle wasting, which limits the outcomes of gene editing. Lastly, we will develop new in vivo models of clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC), leveraging a powerful CRISPR/Cas9-based in vivo gene editing system that can target oncogenic lesions to discrete lineages of tissue-resident stem cells in mice.
Aside from my graduate studies, I have co-founded Health Yetu (www.healthyetufoundation.com). I aim to develop new therapeutic avenues through my graduate research, and through Health Yetu, I aim to address global healthcare inequality. Health Yetu is an NGO aiming to empower Kenyan doctors to bring healthcare to remote areas. We have three core focus areas: preventing cervical cancer via an HPV vaccination campaign, curing blindness via cataract surgeries, and bringing back smiles by relieving dental pain. The Kenyan teams lead all medical and operational work and are supported by a team of international young professionals who contribute through operations, communication, and fundraising efforts. Please visit the website and feel free to reach out to me.
