Affiliated with: - Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) - Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) - Center for Bioactive Delivery (CBD) - Models to Medicine (M2M)

Investigated the structure and self-assembly of biomimetic polyelectrolyte and coacervate systems for use in the development of biomimetic microenvironments for applications in biophysics, medicine, and biocatalysis.IME Safety Committee 2012 – present Acted as Chairperson, working to develop a best-in-class safety program for the newly-founded Institute for Molecular Engineering in collaboration with other researchers and safety personnel from both the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory. Efforts include compiling information for efficient distribution to aid in setting up new labs at the IME, newcomer training information, website development, and piloting an automated system for obtaining prescription safety glasses for the campus.IME Seminar Committee 2012 – present Acted as Chairperson, working to organize the IME Student Seminar as well as external speakers.

Investigated the material properties, structure, and disassembly of nucleic acid/surfactant films for the transfection and reprogramming of stem cells.

Dissertation Title: "Microfluidic Platforms for In Meso Membrane Protein Crystallization"Advisor: Prof. Paul J.A. KenisInvestigated the crystallization of membrane-type proteins using microfluidics technology.Examined the structural biology of various respiratory oxidase membrane proteins.Head Teaching Assistant – Undergraduate Thermodynamics, Spring 2007Helped to coordinate Teaching Assistants and acted as a substitute lecturer. Also prepared materials for and taught a weekly discussion section, prepared, administered, and graded exams, and prepared solutions for and graded homework.Honored on the “List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent”Teaching Assistant – Microchemical Systems, Fall 2007Graded group projects, presentations, and exams.Teaching Assistant – Principles of Chemical Engineering, Summer and Fall, 2006Acted as a substitute lecturer. Also prepared materials for and taught a weekly discussion section, prepared, administered, and graded exams, and prepared solutions for and graded homework.Guest Lecturer – Biochemical Engineering, Fall 2008Topic: Microfluidic Platforms for Membrane Protein CrystallizationGuest Lecturer – Microchemical Systems, Spring 2007Topic: Microchemical Systems for Protein CrystallizationTutored undergraduate students in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering for the Principles of Engineering and Thermodynamics courses.Instructor – Graduate Academy for College Teaching, 2007 – 2008Acted as a small group facilitator for Teaching Assistants from Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering.Taught a workshop titled Ten Class Management Skills.

Thesis Title: "Development of Novel Gas Phase Passivation Chemistries for Silicon Surfaces"Advisor: Prof. Anthony J. MuscatInvestigated the chemistry of gas phase surface preparation for semiconductor applications.Maintained research group website (http://muscat.chee.arizona.edu/Research/).Developed surface science teaching website associated with Surface Science class (ChEE 437/537) taught by Prof. Anthony Muscat. The website was intended initially as a supplement and eventually as an independent online class.Tutored undergraduate students in Chemical & Environmental Engineering in all classes.

Characterized and developed residue removal methods at the contact level of semiconductor memory devices.

Advisor: Prof. Anthony J. MuscatInvestigated the effect of alcohols on the etching of silicon dioxide.

Developed water and energy conservation projects in tandem with facilities engineers for ultra-pure water and reclaimed water systems.

Advisor: Prof. James C. BaygentsResearched fluid microdynamics associated with "Lab on a Chip" for the semiconductor industry.

Designed raw material supply and waste removal systems for semiconductor fabrication.Developed intranet website, organized information, and provided technical support for employees.

Instructed an after-school Taekwondo program for elementary school students.

Advisor: Prof. Carl WamserPerformed laboratory research on efficient, plant-mimicking, solid-state solar cells.