LA Final Pitch Showcase 1st Place

Invented a 3D microfluidic nanosynthesis device for mRNA vaccine production with 60-fold increased throughput compared to commercial systems and filed a provisional patent as the lead inventorApproached by 4 research groups in chemistry, biology, and pharmacy to employ the 3D nanosynthesis device for cancer marker development, vaccine design, and mitochondrial researchInitiated 4 research collaboration projects with other chemistry, biology, and pharmacy laboratories that are currently using our 3D printed nanosynthesis device for drug delivery researchModeled flow behavior and multiphase mixing within fluid channels using COMSOL Multiphysics to study the parametric impacts of microfluidic channels to fluid mixingCharacterized mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles using dynamic light scattering (size), zetasizer (zeta potential), fluorescence-based assay (mRNA encapsulation efficiency), cryogenic transmission microscopy (morphology)Assembled an automated fluid handling system prototype for mRNA Display, a target-directed affinity ligand screening technology, which could potentially accelerate ligand development process by 10-fold. Project funded by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NCI-NIH, Award Number CA204708)Designed a microfluidic device for affinity ligand selection with 4-fold higher mRNA display enrichmentLead annual lab safety inspections, managed group schedules, coordinated waste-pickup, and facilitated equipment trainingMentored 2 masters students, 2 undergraduate students, and 2 high school students

Fabricated a microfluidic liposome synthesis device in a clean room by elastomer moldingSynthesized liposomes encapsulating hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules and characterized the particle size and encapsulation efficiencyStudied the impact of fluid operational parameters on particle characteristics

Optimized microfluidics RT-qPCR chips to reduce reagent consumption by 35% for SARS-CoV-2 detectionDesigned and tested 3 prototypes of microfluidics chips for immunochemistry, which are currently in developmentImproved existing data analysis algorithm to reduce occurrences of false-positive readings of SARS-CoV-2 by 25%Fulfilled contractual obligations, including editing computer-aided design files, facilitating cross-departmental communication, participating in audits, and documenting experiment protocols

Assisted in animal surgeries and communicated with pet owners regarding patient’s medical conditionAddressed the behavioral issues of dogs using positive reinforcement through enrichment activitiesManaged administrative logistics of a Halloween fundraising event, including event promotions, decoration, and consumables estimation