Leading the NeuroLab, NEU's Regeneration and Optics Laboratory.

Developing methodology for lesion conditioning screen in C. elegans.Investigating lesion conditioning model for central nervous system regeneration in C. elegans.Refining second generation multichannel microscopy device with enhanced field of view

Employed multimodal (Raman, OCT, confocal, near infrared) approaches to identify oral bacteria species, determined cell viability in engineered tissue, and diagnosed traumatic brain injuryConstructed and optimized Raman, OCT, and endoscopy setups for biomedical applicationsFiled provisional patent on multichannel fluorescence microscopy device (see below)Wrote three SBIR Phase I proposals for projects on multichannel fluorescence device, singlet oxygen imaging for enhanced photodynamic therapy, and multimodal imaging for diabetic foot ulcer prediction.Biosafety committee chair (2014-5); IACUC committee (2014-5).

Studied neuronal regeneration in roundworm C. elegans using laser surgery and optogenetics.Developed a worm model for mammalian CNS regeneration after lesion conditioning.Obtained NIH R21 exploratory/development grant.Invented and prototyped a simple, inexpensive, small footprint device for calcium imaging by ratiometric fluorescence microscopy.Designed and constructed femtosecond laser ablation and imaging setup.Wrote code for microscope setup to expedite worm surgeries and imaging.

Pioneered novel femtosecond laser ablation technique capable of subcellular surgery with submicrometer resolution and no collateral damageDesigned and performed surgery and behavioral assays on over 2000 worms for experiments unfeasible via genetics, molecular techniques, or conventional laser ablationInvented PDMS mold from vinyl record to fabricate channeled agarose for holding worms in a fixed position for imaging.Maintained two stable and productive Ti:Sapphire femtosecond lasers over six yearsResearched, purchased, and set up Nikon TE2000-E inverted microscope; constructed custom-designed beampath integrating laser into microscope for ablationWrote and submitted two NIH R21 grant proposals to fund C. elegans experimentsContacted neuroscience professors, gave invited talks, and collaborated with their laboratories, leading to two papers

Inner city social workPublic high school tutoringAmeriCorp sponsorship

Designed, tested, and manufactured microwave-frequency satellite circuits on government and industry projects.