Led a multidisciplinary research team in development of the company’s two core technologies: (1) Microbial production of biofuel, animal feed products and human nutrition supplements; and (2) Novel bioassay and instrument for detection of biological targets including SARS-CoV-2, Salmonella, Clostridium difficile, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.BIOSENSOR PROJECT:• Pioneered a novel population-scale pathogen detection technology in response to the COVID pandemic that employs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and a nanoparticle-based bioassay capable of screening thousands of patient specimens with a single MRI scan• Successfully completed government contract projects for the Department of Homeland Security for detection of airborne biothreats including Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis on time and within budget• Streamlined department assay protocols, resulting in reduced bill of materials and consumable costs thus increasing company profit margins and meeting company economic goalsNUTRITION PROJECT:• Supervised commercial-scale multi-species animal trials (poultry, swine, salmon, and shrimp) to demonstrate safety, efficacy and nutritional benefit in preparation for market release • Oversaw product development, clinical trials, marketing, and launch of functional human nutritional supplement • Mediated the relocation of 40,000 liter fermentation production process to overseas production facilities in India and Canada to meet commercial demand of our feed products worldwide • Engaged with international regulatory agencies to obtain permits and facility registrations required for international sales• Presented and co-authored multiple scientific publications, government contract proposals, business plans, patents, quarterly project technical reports, investor presentations, press releases, and social media posts• Handled all patent and trademark matters in collaboration with the company’s intellectual property law firm

• Managed the initial set-up of a brand new 5,000 sq. ft. laboratory space including space planning; equipment and consumable acquisition; designing and delegating workspaces; and optimizing workflows• Supervised a team of over 10 scientists and managed all facets of the laboratory including designing and directing experiments; delegating laboratory duties; ordering and maintaining inventory; training and hiring of staff; record keeping and writing SOPs; budget management; overseeing equipment maintenance and repair; and ensuring workplace compliance and safety at the state and federal level• Led weekly company-wide meetings to report technical findings and delegated action items to ensure company objectives were achieved

• Investigated an unknown catalase gene found in a viral metagenome in Hawaiian corals that was purported to allow symbiotic bacteria to survive oxidative stress long enough for the virus to propagate.• Designed primers and performed PCR to analyze viral metagenome fragments. • Performed whole genome amplification to amplify a limited DNA sample to yield a higher DNA concentration, followed by TOPO-TA cloning for sequencing.• Created a shotgun clone library of over 500 clones.

Provided support to Clinical Lab Scientists, including conducting daily control tests of laboratory equipment such as CBC, ESR, and specimen storage equipment. Performed pre-analytical processing of patient specimens (blood, urine, stool) for chemistry, hematology, and microbiology testing. Communicated pertinent laboratory information to healthcare providers including test ordering instructions and established laboratory practices

Prepared serum and plasma for hematology, chemistry, and serological testing. Managed reference lab test orders and coordinated shipment of specimens. Assisted hospital doctors and healthcare personnel with ordering appropriate lab tests