I founded the nonprofit Omni Nano as a way to combine my two biggest passions in life: nanotechnology and education. I live and breathe nanotechnology and have always enjoyed instilling my excitement for cutting-edge sciences and technologies into the youth of today. My duties and roles have included:• Developer of nanotechnology educational resources, including online courses, e-textbooks, and interactive e-learning tools that have inspired over 10,000 students around the world • Designer of digital nanotechnology textbooks and AI translation tools for efficient worldwide translation• Finalist at the Patrick Soon-Shiong Innovation Awards (aka “The Oscars of Innovation”) in 2014 and 2015• Nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Non-Profit Awards for Leadership Excellence in 2015 and 2016• Teach semester-long nanotechnology classes, based on Omni Nano’s curriculum, to high school students and adults• Present nanotechnology workshops to schools and youth conferences to inspire our students to pursue STEM college majors and STEM professional careers• Educate professional adults on current and emerging nanotechnologies • Ensure reoccurring corporate sponsorship by overseeing fundraising and grant processes, including identification of opportunities and relationship fostering• Coordinate the work of scientific content writers, editors, web developers, graphic designers, peer reviewers, etc.• Invited speaker at nanotechnology, STEM, and STEM education conferences and gatherings• Author and publish blog articles related to nanotech education

I advise and guide UCSD academic researchers to explore the opportunity to become entrepreneurs. I catalyze those interdisciplinary relationships needed to define a product, understand the market, form a startup team, draft a commercialization strategy, and raise capital.

Developed and instructed a new 4-unit course under the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, "Introduction to Nanotechnology," an accepted elective course for UCLA Extension’s Biotechnology Engineering and Medical Device Engineering certificates.

As the West Coast Ambassador, I aid the Executive Director of the NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA) in propagating its message throughout the western United States.Founded in 2001, NanoBCA is the world’s first nonprofit trade association focused on the commercialization of nanotechnologies. NanoBCA is dedicated to creating a friendly corporate and political environment that nurtures research and innovation in nanotechnology, including assisting its company members in bringing innovative nanotechnology products to market.

▪ R&D for chemical sensors▪ Grant writing

Besides leading all nanotechnology research efforts and supervise the formulation of aluminum alloys reinforced with nanotechnology, I aided in business development by making strategic introductions leading to cash investments and possible customers, and I helped branding the company with a new website, social network outreach, and exhibitions at conferences.• Research and development of new formulations to incorporate nanomaterials into Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)• Developed and helped patent the strongest known commercial formulations of aluminum composites• Established pathways to fundraising, including introductions to major aerospace and defense corporations

▪ Sensor technology development▪ Intellectual Property (IP) / patent writing

▪ Developed novel biosensor configurations for pathogenic bacteria based on multiple receptors▪ Concept designed of carbon nanotube-based sensors for vascular endothelial growth factor proteins (VEGFs)▪ Concept designed a CSF Infection Sensor as accessory to hydrocephalous shunts▪ Designed experiments for proof of concept of magnetically guided delivery of nanoparticles to a site of interest▪ Submitted grant applications as Principal Investigator, including several Phase I SBIRs▪ Awarded an NCI Phase I SBIR grant as Principle Investigator, entitled "A VEGF Nanosensor to Monitor Tumor Progression"▪ Awarded stock options after first employment review (end of 6th month)

Developed college-level, online-based chemistry courses for the Saylor Foundation's Free Education Initiative, including:▪ Organic Chemistry I and II (Chem 103 and Chem 104)▪ Blueprints for Inorganic Chemistry (Chem 107)▪ Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (Chem 202)▪ Bioinorganic chemistry (Chem 203)

• Lead researcher and developer of nanotechnology-based sensors• R&D for chemical sensor development, optimization, and customization using polymer cladding• Sensor characterization and testing using gas and vapor delivery systems• Submitted 2 grant applications as Principal Investigator, including SBIRs for Phase I and II• Established novel formulations based on carbon nanotube-polymer composites to be used as sensor materials for the detection of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). These formulations resulted in better discrimination of key analytes and lower detection limit for every analyte of interest. This is a Phase III project funded by DHS.• Developed a diagnostic assay for pancreatic cancer using micro-RNAs as biomarkers. Initial results were used as preliminary data in grant applications. The detection platform is based on lateral flow test strips.

▪ Pioneered the development of nanobiosensors at USC▪ As the first chemistry student on this project, I began by establishing testing methodologies, setting up a workstation for controlled and reproducible synthesis of nanowires, and a setting up a workstation station for the automated testing of FET sensor devices▪ Experienced in the synthesis, characterization, purification, and surface modification of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and metal oxide nanowires▪ Experienced in the surface modification of platinum and gold microelectrodes to create biology/metal interfaces▪ Developed electrochemical procedures for selective surface activation of specific sensors in an array▪ Evaluated FET devices based on their electrical characteristics. FET devices were fabricated by spin coating (drop casting) nanomaterials on silicon wafers followed by photolithography.▪ Evaluated the optimal materials for biosensing applications among carbon nanotubes, metal oxide nanowires, or silicon nanoribbons▪ Designed experiments to understand the nanosensor limits of detection under specific testing conditions. Feedback from these measurements was used to improve our sensor performances, such as sensitivity, selectivity, response time, recovery time, and reproducibility.▪ Designed software to quickly convert raw data into graphs, extract data, and index everything into an online database▪ Authored NIH proposals for research funding, patent applications, and technical articles for publication

Instructed:▪ Analytical Chemistry (2 semesters)▪ General Chemistry (1 semester)▪ Physical Chemistry II (1 semester)

Projects:▪ Nanotechnology Approaches to Cancer Treatment and Response▪ The Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (CCNE)’s application for a $16M grant from National Institute of Health (NIH) / National Cancer Institute (NCI)