• Sequence and process design for the production and purification of enzymes and small molecules via microbial and plasmid engineering via B. subtilis and E. coli.

• Produced bench-scale quantities of dozens of circular RNA (circRNA) molecules for pilot animal studies in gene editing, supporting critical preclinical research.• Optimized enzymatic circularization processes to maximize efficiency and enrichment, focusing on increasing in vitro transcription (IVT) yield while minimizing immunogenic precursors.• Devised and executed a complex buffer and enzyme process optimization, resulting in a 50% increase in circularization efficiency and a 90%… Show more • Produced bench-scale quantities of dozens of circular RNA (circRNA) molecules for pilot animal studies in gene editing, supporting critical preclinical research.• Optimized enzymatic circularization processes to maximize efficiency and enrichment, focusing on increasing in vitro transcription (IVT) yield while minimizing immunogenic precursors.• Devised and executed a complex buffer and enzyme process optimization, resulting in a 50% increase in circularization efficiency and a 90% decrease in dsRNA contaminants• Managed production data entry in Benchling electronic lab notebook (ELN/LIMS) for effective data tracking. Presented data and project proposals at cross-organizational team meetings.• Collaborated as part of a high-performance team to achieve corporate objectives, enhancing the efficiency and scalability of target gene production workflows. Show less

• Produced high-quality mRNA samples supporting in vitro/in vivo vaccine studies and analytical development.• Optimized in vitro transcription (IVT) of diverse mRNA and self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) molecules, increasing yield and reducing contaminants, analyzing by capillary electrophoresis and immunoblot.• Validated novel DNA template constructs, enzymes, reagents, and modified nucleotides. • Implemented purification techniques including lithium chloride precipitation and RP-HPLC… Show more • Produced high-quality mRNA samples supporting in vitro/in vivo vaccine studies and analytical development.• Optimized in vitro transcription (IVT) of diverse mRNA and self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) molecules, increasing yield and reducing contaminants, analyzing by capillary electrophoresis and immunoblot.• Validated novel DNA template constructs, enzymes, reagents, and modified nucleotides. • Implemented purification techniques including lithium chloride precipitation and RP-HPLC. Cross-trained on tangential flow filtration (TFF) and affinity chromatography for larger scale aqueous purifications.• Collaborated with process development teams (USP and DSP) to optimize fed-batch IVT conditions. Trained to assist the manufacturing team in engineering runs and clinical lot production.• Developed and managed an Excel inventory platform, ensuring efficient tracking of reagents, plasmid DNA templates, and mRNA samples for the preclinical team. Show less

Scientist-Project Lead• Led the development of cost-effective strains for biosurfactant production via fermentation, resulting in a 10-fold increase in the yield of the leading strain. • Conducted research on metabolic pathways in Bacillus, employing knock-in and knock-out approaches. • Managed the entire process from designing DNA sequences, ordering primers, building plasmids, to transforming and screening bacterial constructs. Analyzed and quantified production data using… Show more Scientist-Project Lead• Led the development of cost-effective strains for biosurfactant production via fermentation, resulting in a 10-fold increase in the yield of the leading strain. • Conducted research on metabolic pathways in Bacillus, employing knock-in and knock-out approaches. • Managed the entire process from designing DNA sequences, ordering primers, building plasmids, to transforming and screening bacterial constructs. Analyzed and quantified production data using LCMS. • Collaborated with the development team to optimize proprietary design software, leading to a significant reduction in cost and turnaround time through the implementation of a universal cloning primer strategy.• Developed lab-scale fed-batch fermentation and downstream purification conditions, actively participating in tech transfer with external groups for potential CDMO production scale-up.• Trained and supervised interns on small molecule production and strain engineering projects.Scientist• Optimized fermentation media and conducted a study on the use of low-value agricultural waste as fermentation feedstock. Worked on related grants, publications, and patent applications. • Validated chromatography and tangential flow filtration approaches for the purification of novel surfactants. • Developed Standard Operating Procedure to produce and purify surfactant samples for business development.Research Associate• Prepared liquid and solid media, as well as buffers for the lab and partner company. • Managed lab equipment, inventory, and ordering processes. • Constructed DNA plasmids using a proprietary genetic engineering platform. • Developed B. subtilis strains and media composition for the production of small molecule surfactants by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases. Show less

• Studied binding and cross-linking properties of mutant CRFR1 receptors. Performed site directed mutagenesis, expressed receptors in mammalian cells, and assayed for expression and activity.

• Designed a strategy for sub-cloning the Flt3/Flk2 receptor into a retroviral vector to study the gene’s effects on early B cell development.