At Wugen, I played a key role in advancing our cell therapy manufacturing processes. My work focused on testing and adopting new modalities to optimize and scale the production of cell-based therapies. I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to enhance process efficiency, scalability, and consistency, directly contributing to the successful development of next-generation therapies.Key Contributions:- Led the evaluation and integration of new technologies, including the Xuri Cell Expansion System, Lovo Automated Cell Processing System, and M1 Filling Station, into the cell therapy manufacturing process, significantly improving production outcomes.- Directed efforts to standardize and streamline process workflows, resulting in more efficient and reliable operations.- Conducted cell-based cytotoxicity assays to evaluate the effectiveness of cell therapies.- Utilized JMP software for data analysis, including Design of Experiments (DOE) creation, to optimize and refine manufacturing processes.- Trained and mentored team members on new systems and processes, ensuring successful technology adoption across the team.- Actively participated in strategic decision-making regarding process improvements and technology transfers to CDMOs.This role allowed me to develop a strong knowledge of process development and make valuable contributions to the field of cell therapy.

I was part of the TL1 Translational Sciences Postdoctoral Program with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship. I worked with LEAP, a gap fund program and asset development program managed by the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship at WUSTL. The goal of this program is to support the commercialization of university technologies by guiding faculty inventors with input of industry experts, as well as providing funding for the most promising projects. In this role I spearheaded efforts to build a project database and improve program operations. I also wrote a manuscript that described LEAP's impact on WUSTL commercialization (currently in revision).

Laboratory of Irfan Saadi, PhD- Designed and executed experiments to investigate the role of novel gene SPECC1L in craniofacial birth defects.- Worked with genetically modified mice, including those generated through CRISPR-Cas9, Zinc-Finger Nuclease, and Gene traps.- Managed daily lab operations with the assistance of 2 technicians, including a mouse colony of over 150 cages.- Trained and advised 2 lab technicians and 9 summer students on laboratory techniques and experimental design.- Wrote and was awarded internal and external (NIH F31) grant funding applications.- Spearheaded several initiatives to improve laboratory operations including establishing an online mouse colony management system, developing a more efficient genotyping workflow, and acquiring server space for improved laboratory file management.- Presented research findings at multiple local and international conferences.- Participated in the organization and execution of a local scientific symposium.

- Designed and executed an independent project studying pancreatic islets for the treatment of diabetes.- Developed assay to efficiently dissociate, image, and quantify pancreatic islet cells.- Generated automatic cell-counting pipelines in CellProfiler software.- Documented Standard Operating Procedures and results in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices.- Presented findings to the company team at end of internship.

Aided the development of assays to evaluate the response of cells to neurotrophic factors.