Salena spent three years at the University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC), where she was the Lead RT-qPCR Senior Processor. While at UMGC, Salena was crucial to the processing and management of over 60,000 COVID-19 tests, and contributed greatly in genotyping and microarray work.

At the Provenzano Lab, Salena assists in mouse colony management, including genotyping, ultrasounds, and necroscopy, and is involved in numerous pancreatic tumor studies. She is also involved in a variety of other key roles, including tissue culture maintenance and evaluating tumor cells via flow cytometry. Salena’s long-term research goal is to develop into an independent researcher and take on her own projects within the Provenzano Lab. Salena enjoys going to concerts, researching fashion and makeup trends, exploring new foods, and hanging out with friends.