I am working to advance the study of near infrared absorbing compounds and their photoacoustic properties. Specifically I am focusing in their use for designing nano-particle-based diagnostic technology for cancer based projects.

Studying Pharmaceutical sciences and working on projects related to nanoparticle design and nucleic acid therapeutics.

Lab manager with Sahay Lab performing high throughput scans to characterize components of the endocytotic pathway involved in therapeutic, RNA-based nanoparticle release.

Managed, maintained and ran a high pressure, liquid chromatograph (HPLC) for a Bill &Melinda Gates funded project dedicated to novel, extended-release malaria therapy development. Developed optimized methods to isolate and characterize small molecules (via UV and ELSD detection) as well as worked closely with the other project members to design experiments testing drug release and stability. This work was supplemented with additional chemical characterization of the molecules via NMR, FT-IR and Mass Spectroscopy. Additionally, image analysis was performed for in-vivo, in-vitro and material studies using imageJ software and analysis methods were developed for other team members.

Created novel methods for encapuslation of therapeutic ferritin molecules. Specifically produced, designed, and optimized ELISA systems to characterize modifications to the ferritin protein, confirming with TEM microscopy and MALDI mass spectroscopy. Completed an internal report of the characterization and presented at conference proceedings. Supervised and mentored undergraduates within project and the greater community.

Designed an economical, proteomic, peptide-based lab-on-a-chip aimed for bone mechanic research and future therapeutic use. Assisted in machine maintenance and extending existing infrastructure to support research activities. Supervised undergraduates within related projects.

Maintained, organized and worked to lend out a collection of photography and media equipment. Provided IT support for campus computers and related support for hardware and media applications.

Led support sessions for Computer Science 111 where I guided students through python exercises and introduced broader CS concepts.

Optimized processes involved in high-throughput small molecule screens aimed at characterizing an inhibitory pathway implicated in polar T-cells activity in cancer and HIV. Interpreted results with reference to future therapeutic endeavors and presented to collaborators.

Conducted a self-directed research project within Novartis in designing and optimizing therapeutic screening processes for cardiomyocytes. Maintained hESC cell cultures and differentiated cardiomyocytes for use with in-vitro toxicity screening.

Gathered and analyzed samples to further develop the existing models of oxygen induced retinopathy prematurity.Used tumor necrosis factor receptor-deficient mice (TNFR-) to induce retinopathy and examined the role TNF-a in the disease parthenogenesis.