I help companies develop in-house procedures for expressing proteins with the cell-free protein synthesis system.

I am working to improve the cell-free protein synthesis system for increased protein output, room temperature and portable storage, and enhanced protein folding of mammalian proteins for therapeutic applications. I am working in the Swartz Lab in the Chemical Engineering department.

• Specialized in molecular synthetic biology. Invented a novel, highly accurate biomarker sensing platform.Invented a 3D-printed device to extend gene expression reactions. • Performed with RT-qPCR, western blots, DLS, NTA, gel electrophoresis, and protein assays. Masteredgene expression with many different genes and plasmid vectors in mammalian and prokaryotic systems. • Performed gene editing in E. coli. Created complex gene circuits. Optimized protein folding and expression. • Conducted multiple DNA and protein purifications. Cultured E. coli, breast cancer, and HeLa cells. • Delegated tasks to undergraduate workers. Managed and advised a senior design group. Presented progress at biweekly group meetings and conferences. Peer-reviewed manuscripts. • Helped build the lab from the ground up. Created SOPs and protocols. Aided in initial equipment and assay acquiring.

• 1st lab: Specialized in stem cell research. Cultured stem cells. Designed graphics for the lab. Created a semi-quantitative data analysis technique using adobe photoshop. Prepared the lab. Handled invoices. • 2nd lab: Studied the effects of metastasis on breast cancer’s drug response. Performed RT-qPCR for metastasis gene expression analysis. Conducted survival assays. Contributed sections to the manuscript. Presented research. Performed histology analysis on decellularized lungs. Prepared images for publications. Conducted bioinformatic analysis on isoform gene expression variation.

• Analyzed skin care products with techniques including microbiology tests, viscosity, pH, density, and titrations.• Monitored active ingredients with HPLC, FTIR, atomic absorption spectrometer, and UV-Visspectrophotometry• Performed troubleshooting analyses when products were out of specification. Made detailed documentation of results and reported back to the manager and VP.

Studied the anatomy of fish, cleaned and prepared specimens for a tooth and bone study, and learned how to use Osyrx imaging

Performed scenes of the main actress. Memorized scripts. Noted and memorized positions, camera angles, and lighting. Informed the actress of the important movements and positions of the scene.