 Conducted 106 customer interviews to build our business model canvas as the Entrepreneurial Lead in 2017 NSF I-Corps Program (2017 summer) Further optimized multidentate polymeric ligand structure for size minimization and reducing nonspecific binding of QDs

Surface Engineering of Quantum dots (QDs) for Multiplexed Bioimaging Synthesized core/shell semiconductor QDs Synthesized multidentate polymers for QDs water solubilization Creatively developed a novel coating process for making compact and homogeneous QDs Engineered water soluble QDs that outperform commercial QDs in terms of size, stability and nonspecific binding Optimized the staining methods for QDs based immunofluorescence protocolPreventative Treatment of Obesity-induced Insulin Resistance Using Polysaccharide Nanocarriers Synthesized a series of dextran conjugates for bioimaging and drug delivery Studied the in vitro drug release profile of dextran drug conjugates  Demonstrated a novel targeted delivery strategy to ameliorate obesity associated inflammation Developing Nontoxic QDs  Modified QDs surface with different coatings Evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity of QDs on cells and antral follicles Demonstrated a unique cytotoxic mechanism of cadmium-free ZnSe QDs

Degradable Polymeric Nanoparticles for Controlled Release Designed a novel self-immolative linker and studied its degradation kinetics Synthesized photo-responsive degradable polyesters and polyurethanes based on the self-immolative linkers Formulated polymeric nanoparticles through the emulsion method Demonstrated a burst release profile of the payload upon exposure of nanoparticles to UV light

1. Synthesized and characterized novel ferrocene-based compounds2. Applied ferrocenyl compounds for anion recognition