Kulkarni Research Group - Immunoengineering Research LaboratoryExplore disease detection and cancer treatment therapies using lipid nanoparticles under faculty supervision Presented research papers on current and new cancer immunotherapies in journal clubPerform solid peptide synthesis using an automated research scale peptide synthesisSynthesize, optimize and characterize mRNA loaded lipid nanoparticles to test on iBMDM and HEK293 cell culturesPerform ELISA, Western blot, DLS, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry to characterize nanoparticles and test efficacyCompleted honors thesis on use of mRNA encapsulated in LNPs to repolarize TAMs as a cancer immunotherapy

Part of a multidisciplinary team of Life Sciences students that meets to discuss on going research as well as graduate programs of interest.

Organizes sessions and worksheets to supplement class content in thermodynamics II (Chem-Eng 325) to current college students

Teaching Assistant for Thermodynamics I

Teaching Assistant for Chemical Engineering Principles in Biological Systems

Delegated tasks and responsibilities to e-board members for upcoming events and facilitates communication across the boardAssisted in budgeting and financial planning with treasurer and faculty advisor to achieve funding for eventsAided in event coordination including networking and advertising for social events, general body meetings and conferencesDevised strategic plan with long term goals, five year plan, financial and fundraising goals, and marketing & recruiting ideas

Performed liquid biopsy and quality control tests on formulations to ensure the highest quality productsExecuted manual viral RNA/cfDNA isolation from fetal bovine serum (FBS) using sonicated magnetic nanoparticles for automated qPCR while adhering to quality control protocolOperated pH meter, MagTouch2000 (automated nucleic acid extraction of cfDNA and viral RNA), Qubit fluorometer assay, Bioanalyzer 2100 chip and system, and DLS with zetasizer programDetermined quantities for scale up and manufacturing of reagents for COVID-19 and DNA/RNA test kitsDocumented experiment details, interpreted results and compared to normal standards to find sources of deviation