Sarah Lyons Email & Phone Number

United States

In the Lippmann Lab I am working on a project devoted to understanding the delivery and gene silencing abilities of siRNA lipid conjugates to the brain barriers (BBB/Choroid Plexus/Meninges) in disease states such as MS.

In this role I served as a TA for chemical engineering undergraduate students in Separations and the Chemical Engineering laboratory. I graded homework and exams, hosted office hours, and aided students throughout the semester. This role provided me with the ability to mentor students while getting acquainted with Vanderbilt as a first year graduate student.

West Kingston, Rhode Island, United States

At TLC I aimed to cultivate a welcoming environment within the store and provide quick but kind service. I also learned to make a great latte!!

Kingston, Ri

During the 2021-2022 school year I worked on a project involved the synthesis and optimization use of double emulsion nanoparticles for protein encapsulation. I hypothesized and addressed potential issues with proteins, including denaturation and degradation. This included developing an SOP and determining potential ways to detect and prevent protein degradation.Throughout the 2022-2023 school year I worked on a project dedicated to understanding macrophage polarization states via biosensors. Specifically, this projected combined machine learning with single walled carbon nantotubes (SWCNTs) to accurately determine if a sample of cells contains M1, M2, or naïve macrophages. This biosensor would ideally have the ability to predict stages of wound healing.

Kingston, Ri

As a Senior Resident Assistant (SRA) I preformed all duties of a RA, while also establishing a strong sense of community within the staff. I aided in discussions between the Hall director and the other RAs, especially when RAs needed representation of their beliefs. As an SRA I learned how to be a leader and how to train the new RAs for the year. I presented at various training sessions, as well as offered constructive criticism for practice emergency scenarios. Lastly, I cultivated a strong staff dynamic centered around team work and positivity.

During my summer fellowship at URI I synthesized long chain polymers to use as excipients for pulmonary drug delivery applications. The polymer, Acetalated Dextran (Ac-Dex), is pH sensitive which allowed for targeted drug release. I also created nanoparticles via an emulsion and solvent evaporation method. I synthesized microparticles using a spray dryer. I then characterized the particles using various techniques, including DLS, SEM imaging, and DSC. At the conclusion of the summer I had gained a true understanding of drug delivery applications that was not taught in the classroom. I presented all of my findings at the RI-INBRE SURF Conference.

In my role as a Resident Assistant (RA) I was tasked with mentoring first year college students as they adjusted to college life. Moreover, I cultivated a cohesive and accepting community of students from very different backgrounds. I accepted this job in the Fall of 2020, and still managed to create a good environment despite the physical limitations put in place at my university. I planned in person and online programs that were centered around educating in diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as helping students break out of their shells to make friends. This year was a challenging year for myself as well as my residents as they all felt isolated and alone. It was difficult to encourage meeting up with other students as Covid-19 was on the rise. This required a lot of quick thinking and nurturing my residents as they navigated this time in their life.

New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States

As an intern at BMS, I was responsible for developing a workflow to determine optimal surfactant selection in terms of colloidal and interfacial stability. I worked with two distinct proteins and various formulations of surfactants to ultimately construct a robust workflow that will be implemented within the department. This experience concluded with a presentation for the entire Drug Product Development department.

West Warwick, Rhode Island, United States

I began working at CVS in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. I was tasked with extensive cleaning and making sure that customers and other employees were safe as they shopped. Moreover, I kept the store orderly as well as operating the cash register. Time management was a vital skill for CVS, especially when trying to close the store on time as well as helping last minute shoppers.

East Greenwich, Ri

While working at Panera, I was able to gain skills in customer service. I always attempted to aid the customers in whatever ways possible, including taking their orders, tracking down lost items, and answering phone calls.

Orlando, Florida Area

In my role as an intern at Withum, I was tasked with organizing records with personal client data and assisting in the preparation of tax returns. I was also a part time receptionist. I was tasked with helping clients when they entered the office, as well as scanning, faxing and organizing files that were dropped off by clients.

Warwick, Ri

As an intern at Harbor One (previously Coastway Community Bank) I was tasked with moving files from one online filing system to another. I sorted through various types of documents to locate key information for organization processes.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Chemical And Biomolecular Engineering

Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical And Biomolecular Engineering

Activities and Societies: AIChE member, Theta Tau member, Mentor for Women in Engineering, URI College of Engineering Ambassador