• Led a diverse team of scientists in identifying an important new role for sodium/potassium pumps in regulating pancreatic islet insulin secretion. Coordinated efforts by assigning responsibilities, setting clear objectives, and providing guidance to maximize productivity and foster cooperation.• Actively collaborating with an Oxford research group to describe a previously unrecognized mechanism responsible for exacerbating hypoglycemic episodes in patients with type 1 diabetes. Effective communication, adaptability, and cooperation have been pivotal in achieving project milestones and promoting a productive and cohesive team environment. Contributions include bioassay design, collecting and interpreting data, and communicating findings and recommendations to team members locally and remotely. • Expertly leverage advanced data analysis software, including GraphPad Prism, Python, and Matlab, to dissect and identify trends/patterns in experimental data. Wrote a custom Python script that accelerated calcium oscillation analysis by several orders of magnitude. Transition of these insights into well-supported, logical conclusions serves as groundwork for decisive, actionable project advancement.• Developed and implemented a fluorescence-based bioassay, enabling simultaneous real-time measurements of cellular calcium and cAMP. Optimized adenoviral titer to maximize biosensor expression while ensuring cell viability. Thoroughly validated the selectivity and dynamic range of the probe. This project illustrates my ability to develop and execute complex bioassays, yielding novel insights for advancing research and innovation.• Utilize exceptional writing and communication skills to author comprehensive research reports and synthesize key findings into easily understandable figures for broader dissemination. Proficient in preparing compelling oral presentations tailored to both expert and non-technical audiences, ensuring the effective conveyance of complex information.

Promoted to Research Assistant Professor in August 2022.

Promoted to Research Instructor in August 2019.

• Employed data-driven design of experiment analysis to identify and optimize critical process variables in multi-step synthesis of small molecule chemotherapeutics and nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Process improvements resulted in consistent 20-40% increases in final product yields.• Purified and characterized the physical and chemical properties of process intermediates and end products utilizing a combination of chromatographic and analytical instrumentation. Project improved the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of novel photoactivatable chemotherapeutics by encapsulating lead compounds in biocompatible nanoparticle delivery systems.• Efficiently maintained mammalian cell lines in culture by applying aseptic conditions to prevent contamination. Independently screened photoactivable prodrug libraries to identify promising lead compounds (e.g., compounds with the largest increase in cytotoxicity after light exposure).• Proficiently executed absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) studies for injectable nanoparticle drug carriers, employing mouse tumor xenografts, measurement of nanoparticle plasma concentrations as a function of time, and comprehensive assessment of final tissue biodistribution.• Persuasively conveyed data and conclusions to an oversight committee to secure optional second-year research funding. Adeptly tracked and managed a yearly research budget of $18,000 for lab supplies and $1440 for travel expenses, ensuring optimal resource utilization and minimizing waste.

• Employed a data-driven approach to develop a point-of-care diagnostic bioassay for rapid detection of sepsis. Quickly determined and addressed key design considerations, fully validated the accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of the assay, and successfully transitioned from simulated biological fluids to patient whole blood and serum samples.• Worked together with a diverse team of professionals, including clinical personnel, to collect and transport patient blood samples in accordance with good laboratory practices (GLP) and human research/institutional review board (IRB) guidelines. Took the initiative to coordinate the date and time of pick up, streamlining the process over time for enhanced efficiency and smooth operations. Worked closely with the primary investigator of the pilot study, reporting findings, providing valuable recommendations, and actively seeking feedback on project progress and next steps.