Worked on connected, point-of-care diagnosticsAdvisor: Samuel Sia

Part of the Molecular Biology and Sequencing team

• Extracted patient DNA from saliva and whole blood using QIAGEN spin column extraction. Amplified sections of the DNA coding for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using PCR. Sequenced the amplicons using ABI 3130xl Genetic Analyzer. Assembled the chromatograms to a custom reference sequence and screened for mutations using CLC Genomics Workbench• Used the MLPA assay to look for large genomic rearrangements in the patient samples• Designed custom reference sequences obtained from NCBI using SnapGene software• Compiled a mutation database from American and European databases to ascertain significance of discovered mutations• Wrote detailed SOPs, sample tracking sheets, and maintenance documents for the various protocols and instruments at Providence Diagnostics

• Explored enhanced visualization techniques for surgeons carrying out Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), such as panoramic imagery, increased field of view, image stitching, stereoscopic vision, shadow endoscopes and improved display systems.• Researched potential company partners and discussed the feasibility of integrating their products into our design.• Set up prototype models to obtain surgeons’ feedback, and demonstrated the effect enhanced visualization can have during minimally invasive surgery.• Evaluated a voice recognition software and built custom user voice commands using WinWrap Basic software to determine feasibility in an OR environment.

• Developed plasmonic nano-particles to distinguish normal tissue from malignant tissue in the brain during surgery• Conjugated gold nano-particles with anti-EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) antibody to make them specific to malignant cells• Used Darkfield hyperspectral imaging system to observe selective uptake of nano-particles by Glioblastoma cells• Cultured mammalian cancer cell lines (A431, A549, GBM270) and transfected them with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)

• Fabricated bio conjugated gold nano-particles used in the Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) treatment of skin cancer, which carried the Hypericin photo sensitizer drug to the cancerous tissues.• Verified the selective uptake of nano-particles by cancer cells using Darkfield Microscopy. • Gained experience operating equipment such as the UV spectrophotometer and the Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscope (SERS).

Underwent extensive training and detailed briefing in the functional areas of control equipment, sub assembly and energy meters.