Led two successful National Science Foundation funded SBIR programs at Kepley BioSystems.

Dissertation Title: "Fullerenes and their potential in nanomedicine.”My graduate research focused on the utility of carboxyfullerene nanomaterials effect on biological systems. Fullerenes are carbon spheres with unique electronic properties and biological function which makes them attractive candidates for therapeutic, diagnostic and theranostic (therapeutic + diagnostic) applications. My dissertation research involved synthesis and characterization of zero-dimensional (0D) nanoparticles (fullerenes) with modified side chain chemical moieties. This research was motivated towards elucidating anti-inflammatory mechanisms of fullerenes in immune effectors to cells to prevent of inhibit the release of chemical mediators associated with inflammation. In this scholarship, I gained technical expertise in cell isolation and culture, ELISA, FACs, HPLC, NMR, ICP-MS, LC-MS, GC-MS, UV-Vis-nIR, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, FTIR, SEM, AFM, MRI, protein blotting, PCR, and numerous biological and analytical laboratory techniques.

Oversaw incoming graduate student, consortium members, faculty and staff training in the Dr. Kepley's NanoBiology Lab at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. Ancillary tasks included product ordering, asset management and inventory control, appropriate storage and disposal of hazardous waste generation, regulation of chemical storage, design and upkeep of laboratory safety plan and standard operating procedures, and promoting a culture of safety within the laboratory.