My current project focuses on two promising applications for chitin nanowhiskers: to improve the physical properties of concrete and for use in biomaterial research. The first of which is to analyze how chitin nanowhiskers can be cross-linked with a plasticizer to increase the mechanical strength of concrete, while also decreasing its viscosity. The second project studies the effect that crosslinking nanowhiskers onto chitosan has on the improvement of its physical and mechanical properties of scaffolds.

Over the summer of 2019, I had the honor of interning in the formulation department at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston, MA. The goal of my summer work was to develop a hot-melt extrusion (HME) scale-up procedure from a lab-scale extruder to a much larger one for future manufacturing purposes.As an intern, my responsibilities included: conducting independent research of the equipment and process, suggesting different formulation mixtures to test, recommending which parameters to test, coordinating physical/chemical analysis of samples with a cross-functional team, training an entry-level hire on extruder equipment procedures, and drafting an HME formulation and processing guidance document.

This summer job gave me valuable life and communication skills. My responsibilities included cleaning and repairing room AC units, repairing room faucets, industrial dryers, vacuum cleaners, servicing office printers, evaluating and organizing monthly energy consumption, and doing landscaping work around the property. I also helped with renovations during the summer of 2018, which included installing new light fixtures and ceiling tiles, installing stone wall panels, and painting.

I assisted in renovating the electrical wiring at a local high school in New Orleans.My duties included stripping old wiring, installing light fixtures in the ceiling, installing ceiling tiles, cutting and removing old conduit, and then replacing it.