Biography

Dr. Anni investigates alcohol exposure during early embryogenesis and the reprogramming of transcriptional
networks at the onset of embryonic development. The project employs a mouse embryonic stem cell model
and differentiation protocols to single- or multi-lineage fates, along with an integrated experimental and
computational approach encompassing single-cell multiplex flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, microfluidic chips,

miRNA profiling, immunocytochemistry, mechanistic perturbations and bioinformatic analyses. The multi-
disciplinary project benefits from the long-standing collaboration on the computational aspects of the project

with Dr. Vadigepalli at Thomas Jefferson University. My lab has also engaged Dr. Astrof, a developmental
biologist at Thomas Jefferson University, in studies of neuro-developmental deficits in mouse as a
consequence of in utero ethanol exposure. I have a broad background in ethanol-mediated injury, with
experience in key research areas to successfully carry out the proposed work. As a postdoctoral fellow at the
University of Pennsylvania, I was trained in several biophysical and biochemical techniques (fluorescence and
Raman spectroscopy, ESR, NMR, EXAFS, stopped flow). At Thomas Jefferson University, I expanded my
skills repertoire to mass spectroscopy to identify proteomic biomarkers of alcoholism. As a PI or co-Investigator

on several NIH-funded grants at Thomas Jefferson University, I developed workflows for screening phage-
displayed peptides, synthetic antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules as specific enzyme inhibitors in

vitro and in vivo. I successfully administered all aspects of projects, including staffing, budget, progress reports,
research protections, and produced peer-reviewed publications. I have a record of applying innovative
experimental approaches in projects focusing in alcohol-mediated injury. My laboratory has been offering
training in these areas to middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students and postdoctoral
fellows.