Leading or participating in several collaborations with academic and industrial partners for biomedical applications & devices- Developing a wearable nicotine sensor for real-time detection through sweat by modifying fluorescent proteins with redox active groups and adhering the protein to an electrode surface- Advancing spray-on polymer formulations for use as permanent antiviral surface coating, inspired for developments to aid in COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic- Optimizing NIR active formulation that mechanically strengthens sclera for degenerative myopia treatment and/or enhancing the mechanical properties of other tissues Strong Communication Abilities - Successfully writing grant applications and participating in presentations for private funding sources to support projects (salary, material, and instrumental budgets)- Producing patent documentation and aiding patent filing to support IP protection- Generating SOP documentation for project reproducibility and laboratory instrument training

Leading several collaborations using up-converting nanoparticles for biomedical applications - Creating targeted fluorescence detection method for guided-surgical removal of ovarian cancer- Formulating up-converting nanoparticle/photosensitizers mixtures that generate high levels of singlet oxygen - Developing hydrogels and biomaterials with specific properties (strength, slipperiness, durability, oxygen loading, shape-change, etc.) for medical based implants and applications- Prioritize and delegate experimental tasks to advance concurrent projects- Organize progress meetings and generate detailed next milestones- Manage intellectual property applications – writing provisional patents and aid in conversion to full patents- Write and present for funding sources to support salary, material, and instrumental budgets

Developing and characterizing up-converting nanoparticles for biomedical applications - Optimizing long-wavelength photo-initiation for optical adjustment of artificial intraocular lens implants used in cataract replacement- Modifying up-converting nanoparticle core, shell, and surface coatings for increased light emission, solvent compatibility, and ligand attachment- Synthesizing light-activated, turn-on fluorescence compounds for in vivo imaging for an inter school collaboration of long-wavelength selective drug release for traumatic brain injury

Developed hands-on expertise in drug-protein interaction mechanisms and photo-drug delivery methods using Xenopus oocytes for proteins relevant to addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease: - Employed mutagenesis to identify mechanisms for selective drug activation - Characterized phenotypic protein responses from screening drug derivatives for lead compounds- Established protocols for measuring and comparing photo-induced drug release- Served as the senior student contact for extensive information and literature references- Demonstrated strong technical/proposal writing skills; completed 3 publications within a four year period Electrophysiology Instrument Captain (2012 – 2015)- Trained incoming students on the proper maintenance and use of the electrophysiology rig (OpressXpress 6000A – Axon Instruments & Molecular Devices) and resolved software/mechanical problems - Served as point person to discuss and resolve experimental challenges; guided peers in experimental design, testing and procedural setups; acknowledged for industrious problem-solving skills - Developed and adhered to a monthly and weekly rotation schedule for equipment maintenance Supervisor to Undergraduate Researcher (Summer 2012)- Designed a novel research project for an undergraduate and guided student through research milestones - Provided instruction on first-time application of lab techniques and safety procedures; incorporated project results into a larger scientific peer-reviewed publicationChemical Inventory Manager (2011 – 2013)- Managed lab integration into a campus-wide chemical inventory registry; sorted, updated, labeled and ensured the proper, nonhazardous placement of 4,000 chemicals- Trained all laboratory users on inventory system and safe handling procedures of controlled substances- Maintained proper inventory placement and enforced the continued use of proper storage protocols