I work on identifying and characterizing human antibodies against the causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi. We study the outer surface proteins OspA, OspC, DbpA, and DbpB, and are working to construct detailed B-cell epitope maps of the same.Past work involved the important biodefense agent Ricin. In collaboration with biopharmaceutical companies and the US Army, we tested candidate vaccines in vivo, and characterized the resulting immunological response for neutralizing activity in vitro, and protection in vivo. In parallel, we also identified and characterized several monoclonal antibodies (both camelid and murine, with some then being humanized) that are capable of neutralizing ricin at low doses. Recently, I have been studying computer science, programming, databases, artificial intelligence, and data visualization in order to complement my wet lab skills. I am interested in utilizing this new knowledge to supplement my career in the field of vaccine development, antibody engineering and/or bioinformatics.
Listed skills include Vaccines, Cell Culture, Elisa, Sds Page, and 17 others.