Steven Alvarez Email & Phone Number

Berkeley, Ca, Us

Livermore, California, United States

Senior Scientist in Systems Integration (SI) group contributing to the development of a diagnostics platform that leverages a CRISPR cascade chemistry for detection of pathogens without target amplification. • Worked closely with engineering group to deliver an automated sample-to-answer breadboard, integrating sample purification and detection workflows. Results include reducing sample purification protocol runtime by 57%, 5% better than requirement, and successfully demonstrating automated end-to-end workflow on integrated breadboard.• Contributed to CRISPR cascade assay development efforts, including testing impact of background genomic material to assay sensitivity, and designing molecules for testing as cascade components. Conducted and summarized an in-depth literature review that elucidated an assay failure mechanism and informed new design strategies.

Pleasanton, California, United States

Scientist in Systems Integration (SI) group contributing in both technical and administrative roles to the development and launch of the Onyx Platform-- the first automated benchtop genome engineering platform -- and related products. Selected skills include:• Routinely facilitated cross-functional collaborations with geographically distributed teams while working with a diverse set of stakeholders to prioritize, design and execute experiments, analyze results, and report. • Communicated effectively within different levels of the organization to prioritize and advance competing project goals. This was exemplified by representing SI in the microbe products core team and leading cross-functional team meetings to organize the daily activities with the Onyx instrument fleet.• Frequently analyzed large data sets using python (Pandas) and JMP statistical software to evaluate results and provide data-driven recommendations.

Groves Lab (Prof. Jay T. Groves)

Groves Lab (Prof. Jay T. Groves)

Developed assays and analytical tools for the interrogation of surface-mediated biochemical reactions with single molecule resolution, resulting in co-authorship in 9 peer-reviewed publications. Projects include: • In vitro assays to reconstitute and characterize multicomponent enzymatic reactions on supported lipid bilayers • High spatio-temporal resolution imaging a of signaling dynamics in single-cells

Advanced Light Source, Saxs/Waxs Beamline 7.3.3.

Supported users in configuring, aligning, and calibrating a Small / Wide Angle X-ray (SAXS/WAXS) scattering synchrotron beamline. Responsibilities and accomplishments include: • Provided on-call user support and SAXS/WAXS instrument troubleshooting.• Engaged in research collaborations assisting in the design, execution, and data processing of time-resolved measurements of nanostructure evolution in polymeric thin films, resulting in co-authorship in 2 publications.

Rinaldi Research Group (Prof. Carlos Rinaldi)

Developed nanoparticles for magnetically activated drug delivery. This work involved:• Synthesis of superparamagnetic nanoparticles and block copolymer surfactants• Testing of different surface polymer grafting approaches• Development of ferrogels consisting of cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles embedded in hydrogel matrices

Segalman Lab (Prof. Rachel Segalman)

Worked on the optimization of rod-coil block-copolymer solar cells. This work involved fabricating solar cells by thin film deposition, spin casting, and solvent evaporation, and quantifying solar cell performance.

Green Research Group (Prof. William H. Green)

Worked in the implementation of high-temperature carbon dioxide technologies to the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plant. Evaluated high-temperature carbon dioxide technologies presented in literature through Aspen Plus simulations.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Materials Science And Engineering, 3.75/4

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Chemical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Tau Beta Pi