The Tzanakakis Lab engages in bioengineering related to cell engineering and bioprocessing to improve human health. The lab group employs optogenetics relying on light-activated proteins to control specific cell functions such as the secretion of hormones by pancreatic endocrine cells. My work focuses on using Python to model oxygen in an engineered tissue utilizing modified pancreatic β-cells and their necessary life-supporting infrastructure. Once the model satisfactorily simulates reality, it will be valuable in its predictive power, saving significant time, resources, and energy from manual experimentation and optimizing the geometry and cell densities in the engineered tissue device.

Feon Energy is working to develop novel battery chemistries to advance lithium-ion battery technology and mature lithium-metal battery technology. I investigated the viability of various gel polymer electrolytes mainly for lithium-ion cells, and then for lithium-metal and anode-free cells. Electrolytes were screened in vials at multiple temperatures, in cells, and with EIS testing. Overall, I created and cycled 129 cells of varying types, including coin, cylindrical, and pouch cells, spanning lithium-ion, lithium-metal, and anode-free cells. I researched and presented in-depth on 2 startups and funding and competition opportunities to the cofounders.

Business Resource Services works to save companies money through research and development tax credits, cost segregation studies, and other services. I completed client proposals, built a contact management model for tracking all facets of the customer base, completed renewal contract administration, updated sales commission statements monthly, reviewed and emailed invoices to clients, and improved efficiency by streamlining administrative tasks.

Blue Horizon Energy Consulting Services helps clients, mainly businesses, governments, and utilities, interpret and adapt to the rapidly changing energy and sustainable infrastructure sectors by way of robust research, informed analytics, and use of extensive experience in emerging markets. During my time with Blue Horizon, I… - published 2 articles (linked below)- audited a local university’s environmental finance development course- completed general market research covering the main South African industries- aided in the revision of a significant clean energy industrial report

As an intern for Koch Disruptive Technologies, a venture capital firm, I researched potential investment opportunities and market insights in the plant-based alternative protein sector, and then presented a final summary of my findings.

The Commoner is an online news-media not-for-profit that aims to make unbiased news available to everyone with hundreds of thousands of regular readers. I published 2 articles and reviewed and edited others' articles prior to publishing.

I coached and managed around 10 beginner/intermediate players daily. I led drills and managed my players throughout the day. Being their coach, I was also a role model to them to display and promote good sportsmanship on and off the court.

I scooped ice cream and prepared other deserts and lunch menu items offered for customers. I also managed their inventory and organized and cleaned the establishment.