Nicole is a third-year undergraduate studying Molecular & Cellular Biology (Immunology & Molecular Therapeutics) and Data Science at UC Berkeley. She is an undergraduate researcher in the Clark Lab, working on developing new workflows for nucleic acid cytometry to purify cells based on DNA or RNA signatures prior to sequencing analysis. With graduate mentor Sakshi Shah, she is extending an existing nucleic acid cytometry technique to improve detection of ultra-rare cells and eliminate a specialized microfluidics step in the workflow. Nucleic acid cytometry can help uncover biological mechanisms underlying viral diseases like HIV, illuminate gene expression patterns from host-pathogen interactions, or be applied to other challenging diseases with “hidden” cell populations indistinguishable by surface markers. In Nicole’s free time, she plays the cello, enjoys video games with friends, and explores the Bay Area.
Nicole Klatt
