David Carruthers Email & Phone Number

Emeryville, California, United States

Emeryville, California, United States

Ann Arbor, Michigan

I have conducted my doctoral research under Professor Xiaoxia (Nina) Lin with a doctoral thesis entitled "Engineering Modular Carbon and Nitrogen fixing Microbial Consortia for Sustainable Biochemical Production". The primary directive of my work is to study, understand, and manipulate microbial systems to drive production of valuable biochemicals that are more sustainable than their petrochemical analogues. Such biochemicals have included polyhydroxybutyrate, a common bioplastic, isobutanol, a common biofuel, and amino acids (L-lysine, L-glutamic acid) that serve as precursors to other bioplastics. My projects have operated at the crossroads of chemical engineering, molecular biology, and sustainable systems. I am primary author on four academic papers (2 published, 2 pending).

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Served as a graduate student instructor for three semesters teaching process dynamics and control, an ABET accredited core undergraduate chemical engineering course. Duties involved leading office hours, preparing course syllabi, developing lecture plans, writing examinations and assignments, grading work, and an overall mastery of process controls curriculum. Served as an instructor in chemical process simulation and design for one semester, another core undergraduate course. Communicated ASPEN Plus and MATLAB expertise to assist students in conceptualizing and actualizing their senior capstone design projects. Led discussion sections for an undergraduate heat and mass transfer to demonstrate Haber-Bosch ammonium synthesis, a canonical chemical process plant example.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Developed a microfluidic platform for the examination of algal cocultures to elucidate synergistic relationships between algal species for increased biomass production. My Master's thesis, conducted under Professor Xiaoxia (Nina) Lin and Professor Bradley Cardinale, was entitled "An Ecological and Engineering Approach to Optimizing Algal Biofuels".

La Jolla, Ca

Facilitated communication between two teams of motivated undergraduates and research professors to provide engineering solutions that address the needs of various NGO clients. Clients included the Town and Country Learning Center in National City San Diego, and the Engineering World Health organization at UCSD, who collaborated with the UCSD Medical School and the Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique. Responsibilities included developing lecture plans, assisting student teams in client communication, and providing students with constructive feedback for effective goal management and execution.Also served as a team lead, facilitating meetings with Gawad Kalinga in the Philippines whose goal is to eliminate poverty for 5 million Filipinos by 2024. The team designed a functional biosand filtration unit for better access to pure water in the rural Philippines as well as a solar powered lighting system and hurricane straps.

Mayfield Laboratory, Division Of Biological Sciences

Conducted research under a postdoctoral scholar, performing an assortment of novel biological techniques and assays and demonstrating algal protein synthesis. Responsible for conducting daily lab maintenance, including preparation of antibiotics, various media stocks suitable for algal and E. coli growth, and overall laboratory inventory.

La Jolla, California

Assigned a project aiming to increase the viability of algae as a biofuel by focusing on lipid and growth yields. Conducted scientific research analysis, synthesizing various online and offline research databases and gained hands on, industrial experience in a collaborative environment to reach long term deliverables. Also gained fundamental insight into the unique relationship between academic and industrial research through a comprehensive 8 week course about biotechnology start-up companies.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Chemical Engineering

Master Of Science In Engineering (Mse), Master Of Science (Ms), Chemical Engineering, Engineering Sustainable Systems

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Chemical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Global Teams in Engineering Service, Associated Students Concerts and Events, American Chemical Society.

Chemical Engineering, Junior

Activities and Societies: North American Society, Hillwalking Society, Chemistry Society, Engineering SocietyStudied abroad for a semester