Analysis of organic acid synthesis and metabolism of a non-model anaerobe and associated mutants through the use of an optimized defined medium in batch and chemostat (steady-state) fermentation experiments.

Metabolic engineering and genetic optimization of Escherichia coli to improve the biodegradation of caffeine to high-value methylxanthines with unique medical applications. Please publications for more details.Work Summary:- Protein purification and crystallization of the NdmCDE complex for structural characterization and analysis to be used for future metabolic engineering work.- Construction of an E. coli reporter strain (fluoresces in response to the concentration of formaldehyde) to aid in studying the effects of targeted, site-saturated mutagenesis on the production of paraxanthine.Proficiencies:- HPLC, FPLC (protein purification), bacterial genetic engineering (PCR’s, transformations, ligations and plasmid assemblies, primer/plasmid design, gel electrophoresis etc.), genomic integration (pCas9 and Lambda Red recombination), Bradford assay (protein quantification), Miller assay (Beta-galactosidase quantification), purified enzyme activity assays, Fluorescence Plate Reader, sonication and bacterial cell disruption, development of original protocols and laboratory procedures

Power Department (3rd semester rotation) – Troubleshooting of an unexplained increase in manganese fouling in the water treatment system. Worked with area manager and chemical contractor specialist to develop a sampling method to establish a baseline of data.

Pulp Department (2nd semester rotation) – Root cause analysis of a rupture disk failure in a chlorine dioxide heat exchanger (failure of safety feature leading to automatic bypass of the heat exchanger). Established a plan of corrective action. Assisted in conducting a HAZOP to increase the temperature bypass limit of the heat exchanger.

Paper Department (1st semester rotation) – Organized and planned trials of a new chemical additive to improve product quality. Finalized the setup of the skid/pump and chemical tote to allow for addition of chemical safely and in a sustainable layout.Devised and executed cost savings improvement projects through the Manufacturing Excellence (ME) department while working on-site at the chemical plant.Worked directly with operations (crew members and effected equipment) to implement projects and assist with correcting chemical or mechanical issues.

Assisted with biofuel production research, involving bacterial fermentation of corn-based waste products by Clostridium cellulovorans to produce butyric acid to be converted to butanol. I worked directly with small-scale bioreactors to prepare rounds of fermentation and track the growth of the cells/concentration of products.