iPSC-derived natural killer cells as cancer therapy

• Develop stiffness-tunable extracellular matrix-linked PEG microgels to model heterogeneous microenvironments of the diseased liver. Microgels were used as a mix-and-match scaffold for the 3D culture of hepatic stellate cells and its high throughput analysis.• Collaborate on iPSC-derived hepatoblast spheroid culture studies.• Develop cell-secreted protein sensor PEG microgels. These microgels are able to quantify protein concentration in 3D space around a single cell or cell cluster.• Introduce PEG encapsulated 3D cell culture methods to the lab. It has currently been adapted by two other lab members.• Manage inventory and ordering for a 7-person lab, including during the COVID supply shortages. Optimized costs by finding the optimal price/shipping cost products and anticipating consumable usage.

• Analyze the suitability of four excipients at varying concentrations on preventing antibody aggregation during transport. Analysis required the use of HPLC, turbidimeters and DLS.• Prepare a protocol on the use of the dynamic light scattering instrument (Unchained Labs Stunner) for the department.

• Formulated protocols for the optimization of a novel kinesin purification method. Tasks for this project included:• • Creating microfluidic channels with a kinesin and microtubule-friendly environment.• • Imaging the kinesin and microtubules through the optimization of fluorescent tags and the TIRF setup.• • Compiling and analyzing the image data through software such as ImageJ, LoggerPro, and Excel.• • Maximizing time and material efficiency for the purification procedure.• Adapted the novel kinesin purification method for the purification of myosin.• Composed weekly reports for the supervisor on the experiments performed.

• Worked extensively on device preparation and result extraction for three different biophysical research projects, allowing for the training and application of various techniques and skills. These include:• • Enhanced surface passivation in microfluidics for single molecule studies.• • Stochastic protein analysis in a single cell using SiMPull and polymeric two phase system.• • Analysis of rotating cells in microfluidics.• Collaborated with multiple researchers from various fields, including chemistry and bioengineering, learning unique concepts and methods on the process.• Attended multiple group meetings, gaining an insight in the presentation of research as well as learning techniques used in modern biophysics research.• Read and studied a wide range of scientific papers to reinforce understanding on the research topics.• Composed weekly reports on the experiments performed for the supervisor.

• Aided the students in their general research, videotaping different experiments and organizing the work stations.• Compiled a series of reference research papers for the students to use in their dissertations.• Translated the dissertations of phD students from Korean to English, enabling me the detailed study of these.