Campylobacter jejuni is one of the main causes of diarrheal disease across the world, with an impressively large bacterial flagellar motor driving its pathogenicity. This motor is among many present in the phylum Campylobacterota with sizes larger than motors more typically studied. The evolutionary reason for this larger motor is still an open question, and this project seeks to approach this question by probing the motor in action. Utilising the tools developed by the Physics and Mechanics of… Show more Campylobacter jejuni is one of the main causes of diarrheal disease across the world, with an impressively large bacterial flagellar motor driving its pathogenicity. This motor is among many present in the phylum Campylobacterota with sizes larger than motors more typically studied. The evolutionary reason for this larger motor is still an open question, and this project seeks to approach this question by probing the motor in action. Utilising the tools developed by the Physics and Mechanics of Biological Systems group, we aim to characterise the bacterial flagellar motor of C. jejuni to understand the origin and reason for motor structural differences. I utilise microbiology protocols and advanced optical microscopy tools to accomplish these goals. Show less

I earned a PhD in Physics in the School of Physics. My research concerned the improvement of optical nanoparticle characterisation via innovations in Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. Developing quick, facile nanoparticle microscopy tools promotes the next generation of nanomaterials affecting sectors including medicine, electronics, and agriculture. I designed three optical devices which probe particle size and shape. I built these devices using commercial components, tested them and utilised… Show more I earned a PhD in Physics in the School of Physics. My research concerned the improvement of optical nanoparticle characterisation via innovations in Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. Developing quick, facile nanoparticle microscopy tools promotes the next generation of nanomaterials affecting sectors including medicine, electronics, and agriculture. I designed three optical devices which probe particle size and shape. I built these devices using commercial components, tested them and utilised them to generate novel information on nanoparticle samples.I also worked on two small projects prior to starting the PhD project. 1) Fabrication and characterisation of mid-infrared waveguide structures. Developed skills in photolithography, profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, and reactive ion etching. 2) Characterisation of protocell structures with digital holographic microscopy. Gained experience in synthetic biology.As part of my PhD experience, I had the opportunity to mentor 8 undergraduate project students, instructing them on research methods in physics and giving feedback on experimental data and reports. Show less

Directed laboratory experiments with small groups (~6) of 1st year undergraduate students on a weekly basis. Guided students on fundamentals, including equipment operation and error handling. Provided oral and written feedback on laboratory notebooks and formal reports.

Led weekly problem sessions to help students to practice new concepts. Facilitated discussion on solutions to practice problems. Provided weekly written feedback on solution submissions.

Researched 2D-zeolites for applications in catalysis. Utilized materials science characterization tools including x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and auger electron spectroscopy to determine properties of surface-confined zeolites. Gave a talk, presented a poster, and submitted a report at the conclusion of the internship.

Clarified and communicated course material ranging from fundamental principles of chemical engineering to MATLAB and Excel VBA coding. Reinforced understanding of class-taught concepts and provided academic support in weekly-held office hours.

Researched polymer thin films for anti-biofouling applications and poly(dimethylsiloxane) folding and surface treatment. Performed experiments under the direction of a senior graduate student and completed individual research. Prepared a proposal about particle sorting for the Office of Undergraduate Research at North Carolina State. Utilized optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, elipsometry, and goniometry for film characterization. Communicated research results through biweekly written… Show more Researched polymer thin films for anti-biofouling applications and poly(dimethylsiloxane) folding and surface treatment. Performed experiments under the direction of a senior graduate student and completed individual research. Prepared a proposal about particle sorting for the Office of Undergraduate Research at North Carolina State. Utilized optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, elipsometry, and goniometry for film characterization. Communicated research results through biweekly written reports, weekly meetings, a larger technical report, and a presentation at a statewide poster session. Show less

Tutored students individually and in a small group setting in general chemistry and organic chemistry. Assisted with course content and study skills and habits. Held students accountable for performance in the classroom and study outside the classroom/ tutoring sessions. Engaged in training sessions and worked with a peer mentor to improve tutoring skills. Earned an A+ in the Introduction to College Tutoring course.

Led an effort to investigate the production and physical properties of extruded flat-cast film and blown film. Designed an experiment to achieve project goals, assisted a technician in running the extrusion process, and analyzed characterization results using statistical tools in Microsoft Excel and Minitab. Researched with a 10+ person group on a large multi-phase project. Designed smaller experiments, analyzed data, presented on the current status of a sub-project, consulted with… Show more Led an effort to investigate the production and physical properties of extruded flat-cast film and blown film. Designed an experiment to achieve project goals, assisted a technician in running the extrusion process, and analyzed characterization results using statistical tools in Microsoft Excel and Minitab. Researched with a 10+ person group on a large multi-phase project. Designed smaller experiments, analyzed data, presented on the current status of a sub-project, consulted with engineers and scientists outside the project group, and coordinated meetings to facilitate collaboration. Presented research results and other work to R&D at the end of each of the three rotations. Show less

Researched metallic thin films at metal-oxide interfaces. Utilized scanning electron microscopy to characterize thin film surfaces. Coded several small image analysis programs in Matlab and ImageJ. Documented research progress by submitting weekly reports to advisers. Worked under the direction of Professor Nagarajan Valanoor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at the University of New South Wales.