Developed methods on Hamilton liquid handlers to automate iPSC based assays for pharmaceutical development. Optimized liquid handling scheme to boost stem cell viability by 50% during initial thaw and seeding. Implemented centrifuge automation to boost process step throughput and lower hands-on time by 95%. Scoped out and set up integration of automation systems with Overlord. Gathered requirements from internal customers for automation system definition. Collaborated with scientists for project validation. Worked with vendors to identify and customize optimal solutions for internal customer needs. Analyzed, interpreted, documented, and communicated experiment data to project stakeholders.

Developed and characterized life sciences instrumentation to automate manual molecular biology assays on Hamilton liquid handlers (Chromium Connect, single-cell) and proprietary instruments (Xenium, spatial bio), which incorporate biochemical, robotics, and software components. Characterized and debugged overall liquid handling scheme, identified high risk process steps, and addressed issues with precision/accuracy as needed. The optimization process was driven through experimental data. Developed automated positional teaching routines for liquid handlers in conjunction with Software Engineering, reducing mechanical variation by 50%. Performed/developed IQ and OQ protocols on early production units to identify quality issues and facilitate transfer to Manufacturing. Collected, analyzed, and presented mechanical tolerance data across an instrument fleet to recommend appropriate corrective actions with a robotics hardware vendor. Refactored device libraries to streamline function calls in future assays while maintaining complete functionality. Tested SW for additional assays developed on existing platform. Tested and debugged individual modules of instruments. Supported instruments installed internally and at customer sites. Analyzed, interpreted, documented, and communicated data to project stakeholders.

Developed and characterized lab automation around Hamilton STAR's for DNA sample preparation workflows used as part of NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing), which incorporates biochemical, electromechanical/robotic, and software components. Wrote and executed test protocols to investigate system performance and failures currently being observed. Developed and implemented improvements to various subsystems to increase sample preparation effectiveness, primarily through optimization of liquid transfers, labware incubations, and labware transfers. Optimized liquid handling to within 0.5% of target volumes across the entire assay. Achieved a 50% reduction in consumable failures by reworking a foil piercing method. Implemented and maintained a failure tracking system with a data entry point for internal users and analysis/visualization tools to identify the frequency and severity of various failures. Worked with external and internal project stakeholders to evaluate and prioritize high-risk items during development. Analyzed, interpreted, documented, and communicated experiment data to project stakeholders.

Developed processes for production of iSeq flowcells, primarily related to processing of CMOS image sensors. Optimized surface chemistry processes for CMOS wafers to facilitate attachment of DNA and sequencing through optical detection. Designed and executed experiments to characterize effects of modifying process inputs on product yield and quality. Experimentally optimized early process steps to boost subsequent process step yield from 60% to 80%. Analyzed, interpreted, and communicated experiment data to project stakeholders to facilitate process development. Produced and maintained all documentation for systematic improvement, cost modeling, and execution of owned process steps. Validated QC processes for CMOS wafers at various stages of production.

Tested and validated manufacturing and troubleshooting tools for the NovaSeq, MiniSeq, and NeoPrep systems. Developed novel test protocols and designed experiments to determine product performance, robustness, and reliability as well as likely causes of failure. Applied technical principles across multiple disciplines to assist in failure analysis and resolution. Worked with engineering technicians to properly implement test protocols and experiments. Analyzed, documented, and communicated data to project stakeholders in various groups to facilitate product development.

Developed an algorithm within MATLAB that performs signal processing and statistical/data analysis for a propietary cancer biomarker detection platform, which is built around flow cytometry. Reduced required employee time input by approximately 95% for future data analysis. Documented algorithm methodology extensively, for future adaptibility and ease of use.

Designed, implemented, and assembled mechanical improvements to a robotic test bed that was used to test motion planning algorithms. Designed parts in Solidworks, which were later fabricated with a laser cutter and 3D printer. Maintained and updated the robotic test bed's previous features as necessary.