As the Lead, I led the development of WearOptimo’s biomarker sensing platform aimed at the detection and monitoring of cardiac troponin I in patients at risk of cardiac arrest.• Manage the project team comprising an electrochemical scientist, molecular biologist, data scientist and mechanical/biomedical engineering intern• Manage project deliverables developing operating plans to meet business milestones• Coordinate with the engineering, data and microfabrication leads within the company to obtain resources and meet project requirements• Engage with external collaborators and service providers to gain access to facilities and specialist knowledge• Provide weekly project updates to the CTO and senior management• Contribute to the preparation of data packages and information brochures for investors• Attend and contribute to discussions with potential investors

As the Senior Scientist I was responsible for the development of the electrochemical aptamer-based biosensor platform for biomarker detection and monitoring.• Lead the team of electrochemists and molecular biologists and ensure each member is accountable for their individual duties• Design, charaterise and optimize WearOptimo’s electrochemical electrodes for biosensing• Develop WearOptimo’s electrochemical sensing system and lead the optimization of the electrochemical platform with novel methods for recognition chemistry immobilization and stabilization• Contribute to the development of experimental methods and to the development of device prototypes

Commercial and clinical CAR-T cell manufacture Manufacturing:• Worked on the production of Kymriah®, the world-first commercial CAR-T cell therapy (Leukemia).• Production within a TGA licenced GMP facility• Daily execution of highly complex manufacturing protocols within a high-pressure cleanroom (grade B/A) environment• Developed high-level aseptic technique for working with genetically modified organisms and human cellular products• Experienced with the use of bioreactors for large scale human cell culture• Experienced in the use of cell savers, tube welders and heat sealers for cell culture• Experienced in product formulation, packaging and cryopreservation• Developed very strong attention to detail and record keeping skills Administrative:• Experienced in working with GDP under a quality management system (Q-Pulse®)• Regularly conduct production review of batch documentation for compliance• Developed and executed several change control plans (CCP) for implementation of new manufacturing materials and processes as per client requests• Involved in training new personnel in GMP processes and activities

Customisable nanoporous (Si or Al) electrodes for electrochemical viral and protein sensing• Produced nanostructured carbonised porous silicon electrodes for biosensing applicaitons• Studied various chemical functionalisation strategies to immobilise bioreceptors on electrodes (Aptamers, Antibodies and Oligonucleotides)• Produced and tested anti-fouling polymer coatings on the sensor surfaces using conventional ATRP and eATRP• Developed assays and tested sensor performance using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry • Co-supervised PhD (3x) and bachelor students in research projects• Won Monash Institute of Medical Engineering Seed Fund (AUD 50,000)• Delivered quarterly written reports and update presentations to industry partners• Managed chemical and process risk assessments for the group • Managed 2x labs for the faculty (including lab inductions, maintaining OH&S compliance, chemical register, instrument maintenance, etc.)

Working with electrochemical sensors for detection of wound pathogens

• Produced ‘immunogenes’ comprising a PEI-PEG copolymer as gene carrier and a targeting antibody• Performed antibody isolation and purification via affinity chromatography• Purification of immunogenes via centrifuge filtrations, size exclusion and ion exchange chromatography• Tested improved gene delivery system in vivo in pre-clinical mouse models• Won Flinders Foundation ECR seed grant (AUD18000) and The Milton Safenowitz Post-Doctoral Fellowship for ALS Research 2017 (USD 100000)

This thesis describes the development of stimulus-responsive devices for either drug delivery or controlled display of proteins. Some synthetic polymers undergo reversible changes in their conformation upon an external stimulus such as temperature or pH change. The devices described here exploit this characteristic to control the release of therapeutics or the display of proteins. In practice, thermo- or pH-responsive polymers were used to coat materials with high drug loading capacities such as nano-porous silicon or naturally occurring porous diatom frustules. The devices were employed for controlled release of antimicrobials and chemotherapy agents upon modulation of temperature or pH. Additionally, gold nanomaterials coated with thermo-responsive polymers were developed for microwave-controlled display of proteins attached to the end of the polymer chains. Skills• Development and testing of drug delivery devices for antimicrobial delivery• Fabrication of nanostructured materials• Chemical surface modification• Surface characterisation methods and techniques• Producing responsive polymer coatings• Polymerisation techniques – ATRP, RAFT, FRP, ROP, Plasma Deposition• Thin film analytics using reflectivity/interferometric reflection spectroscopy• Microbial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing• Working in a PC2 environment