Evan Kurt Email & Phone Number

Durham, Nc, Us

Durham, Nc, Us

Morrisville, North Carolina, United States

Currently working towards novel RNA-based therapeutics for immuno-oncology applications:- Developed in vitro screening assays for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modification and activity in macrophage and T cells.- Authored and maintain IACUC protocols for in vivo topical and metastatic mouse tumor models.- Established tissue processing workflows to screen nanoparticle tropism and transgene expression.- Organize and lead cross-team meetings and maintain project timelines and budget.

Durham, Nc

- Researched applications of nucleic acid nanoparticles (DNA/polymer, mRNA/lipid) and AAV delivery using a self-developed novel porous hydrogel scaffold platform. Worked on enhancing protein and virus manufacturing, and studied mouse models to promote tissue repair in ischemic stroke and diabetic wounds.- Mentored several undergraduate and high school students, training in technical and professional skills, delegating lab work and time management, and giving support on writing and presentations.- Developed a remote monitoring system for lab fridges and freezers, tracking temperature and access.- Managed Vector Biosafety and Radiation protocols, amendments, compliance, and training.

Durham, North Carolina, United States

Under the Cell and Gene Therapy Discovery Teams, I took on an independent project to generate CAR T cells using novel vehicles for gene editing and create a new approach to generate more robust, persistent T cells and overcome toxicity from standard electroporation methods. I developed protocols for vehicle production and characterization, addressing limitations while identifying alternatives for successful nonviral CAR modification.

As part of my graduate thesis, I worked on developing a novel method for T-cell capture and analysis for in-line monitoring during continuous runs in a WAVE bioreactor for CAR T-cell generation. My work had focused on the construction of a flow-cell with a coated membrane for selection and differentiation of T-cells, in addition to optimizing growth conditions in process scale-up. The most recent phase of the project focused on differentiation of the T-cells and non-viral transfections to prepare CAR T-cells.

As part of Villanova's entrepreneurship program, VSII, supported by the Harris Corporation, I worked to develop a novel protocol to produce synthetic minicircle plasmids for gene therapy, preventing the need for bacterial production and purification risks, and reducing the plasmid size needed for effective gene therapy. I explored the use of Gibson Assembly and MIDGE, in addition to assisting with the construction of a low-cost thermal block and 2D gel electrophoresis apparatus.

Created a safe environment for students, enforce student policies, and be on-call. Mediate in conflict-situations, respond to crisis-situations. Worked closely with campus police and EMS. Promoted respect for diversity and culture, engaging residences in hall and campus activities.

Set up and run light and sound equipment for various campus events, making sure to adhere to safety procedures and ensuring that events run smoothly. As a head tech, facilitate communication with the event contacts and manage the events. As the equipment manager, make sure that all equipment is functional, used properly for specific events; in addition, maintain the office, organizing files and keeping inventory; also coordinate rental of equipment for special event productions

Villanova University

Under the Chemical Engineering department, and specializing in the bioengineering focus, I began two projects in the Summer 2015 under the guidance of a faculty mentor and graduate students. The first project focuses on analyzing several drugs know to be DNMT inhibitors in PC3 and SKBR3 cells to determine the effectiveness in transgene expression and the toxicity to the cells, which will be used to create a data set to reference for future projects. The second project was to design a novel protocol for using overlap-extension PCR to replace the "luc2" in the pGL4.50 plasmid with the GFP gene from the pEF-GFP plasmid. With this one completed, the next phase was to monitor the expression of the modified plasmid compared to the original over several days. The current phase of the project is to confirm the inhibition mechanism of the drugs by methylation sequencing via a bisulfite assay.

Donahue Market

Worked as a cashier and clerk at the Donahue Market in the South Campus' Donahue Hall, providing assistance to customers and managing transactions. Also helped to prepare smoothies and food for the late-night service, and maintained stock and a clean work environment.

Worked with the EGR-1200, Engineering Interdisciplinary Projects, class. Helped students in guiding their approach to problems when requiring assistance, and in critiquing their work with useful insight while grading. Also assisted the professor in whichever way necessary during the class.

West Point, Pa

Worked as an intern within the Pharmaceutical Commercialization Technology (PCT) group, as part of Merck's Global Science, Technology & Commercialization (GSTC) manufacturing division. Designed and implemented experiments to evaluate the feasibility of modifying a batch low-shear mixing process to a semi-batch or continuous one for high-throughput. Contacted vendors on different technology, and collaborated with one on the use of an experimental continuous mixer.

Helped to plan and organize the group activities, lead the group to the various stations, and make sure that all participants are enjoying the activities in a safe manner. Also maintained good communication with both the children and their parents, resolving any conflicts or concerns.

Took inventory of equipment and restocked where needed, cleaned up labs and removed biohazardous waste, and washed glassware

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Bioengineering And Biomedical Engineering, 3.9/4.0

In pursuing my PhD in Biomedical Engineering, I am researching new methods of non-viral gene therapy for regenerative applications.

Master Of Science (M.S.), Biochemical Engineering, 3.84/4.00

In continuing my studies in Bioengineering/Biochemical Engineering, received my M.S. in Biochemical Engineering at Villanova University.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Chemical Engineering, 3.83/4.00

Activities and Societies: Engineers Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, Campus Ministry, Villanova Electronics Enthusiasts Club.