Daria Tsoneva

I’m currently finishing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with an ACS certification and a minor in Psychology at Purdue University, graduating in Spring 2025. My academic and research journey has centered on understanding the molecular basis of human health and disease, with a growing focus on genetics, neurodevelopment, and therapeutic innovation.

I've conducted research across diverse settings—from mass spectrometry and pharmaceutical development to child behavior coding and muscle regeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. My most recent work through the UAB SURE-GM program expanded my interest in gene therapy, clinical genetics, and cellular biosynthetic pathways.

Ultimately, I’m driven by a passion to explore how gene editing tools like CRISPR can treat genetic disorders at their root cause, particularly in areas such as infertility, blood disorders, and neurogenetic syndromes like Angelman Syndrome and autism. I’m eager to continue developing the technical and clinical insight necessary for translational research and personalized medicine.

I have a diverse background in academic, clinical, and industry research, with hands-on experience in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and behavioral neuroscience. At Purdue University, I contributed to mass spectrometry method development and behavioral coding research focused on neurodevelopmental disorders. I further expanded my translational research skills during a competitive NIH-funded summer program at UAB, where I studied muscle regeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and shadowed clinical genetic professionals. In the pharmaceutical industry, I interned as an R&D Analytical Chemist at Nexus Pharmaceuticals, conducting HPLC-based impurity testing and stability studies. Across all roles, I’ve honed technical lab skills, critical thinking, and a growing interest in genetic therapies and biosynthetic pathways.

I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (ACS Certified) with a minor in Psychology at Purdue University, with anticipated graduation in Spring 2025. My coursework and lab experiences have provided a strong foundation in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry. I also earned the Learning Beyond the Classroom Certificate, reflecting my commitment to applying classroom knowledge through hands-on research and interdisciplinary learning.