Alexander Kelly Email & Phone Number

Houston, Texas Area

Auburn University

Utilized physical, chemical and thermodynamic properties of solid nanoparticles, liposomes and polymers to produce a composite drug delivery vehicle. The impact of this composite on the pharmacokinetics associated with nanoparticle-based therapeutic delivery to solid tumors was assessed.• Created and optimized a synthesis methodology to produce composite nanoparticles composed of a lipid bilayer tethered to a solid nanoparticle core and developed applications within the field of drug delivery• Developed and applied extensive characterization methods for biological, inorganic, and composite nanomaterials • Developed a broad understanding of colloidal suspensions and stability • Characterized nanomaterial-biological interaction via in vitro assays and developed methods to quantify nanoparticle functionalization• Quantified silica nanoparticle toxicity effects on Chinese hamster ovary cells and linked underlying mechanism to oxidative stress• Mentored four undergraduate students with two receiving prestigious undergraduate research fellowships (total $9,000) and one 1st place poster presentation at the American Institute of Chemical Engineering national conference

Auburn University

• Completed thesis project with large interdisciplinary team comprising chemical, electrical, mechanical and industrial engineers• Developed remediation techniques for contaminant removal that scale up to production system setups• Developed new test methodologies for evaluating chemical leaching of electronic components in immersion cooling applications• Identified unknown contaminants via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)• Examined effect of exposure on polymeric materials via thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC)• Communicated results to project sponsor and stakeholders via monthly deliverables such as progress reports and quarterly presentations; compiled a comprehensive final report that included analysis of all collected results and a proposed list of guidelines for industrial implementation

Auburn, Alabama Area

Successfully tutored undergraduate students in various fields of study. Overcame the challenge of converting complex information into an understandable format for another individual through the development of a relationship founded on trust. Development of teaching tools for application in undergraduate mentoring within the laboratory environment.

Huntsville, Alabama Area

Worked with Dr. Hann's group to assess structural integrity of disposable cassettes towards the development of the iCubate system, automated multiplexed amplification and detection.

Athens, Georgia Area

• Worked as a process engineer in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) utilizing cGMP• Developed processes to reduce product turnover time using LEAN techniques (Six Sigma), conducted a feasibility analysis of retrofitting a dormant process train and assisted in implementing change control following cGMP within an FDA regulated environment alongside regulatory affairs and quality assurance (RA/QA), management, engineering and operations.• Recognized with a J&J Bronze Encore Award for contribution to the process train retrofitting project

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Chemical Engineering

Dissertation title: Directed Self-Assembly of Tethered Membranes on Nanoparticles

Masters Of Science, Chemical Engineering

Thesis title: Material Compatibility for Passive Two-Phase Immersion Cooling Applications

Bachelor Of Science, Biomedical Sciences, 4.00

Completed thirteen hours in post-baccalaureate classes. Courses included: Mammalian Physiology, Biochemistry II and Genetics

Chemical Engineering, General Business Minor, 3.86

Activities and Societies: Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, President 2010-11; Vice President 2009-10 Omega Chi Epsilon Chemical.