Welcome!
I am a postdoctoral scholar at Oregon Health and Science University. As a member of the Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center in the Knight Cancer Institute, my research is focused on advancing technology capable of detecting cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. My main research focus is on developing novel tools to isolate endogenous sub-cellular particles from complex liquid biopsy samples, including whole blood and plasma, by harnessing differences in the dielectric properties of the particles compared to their surrounding media. I also place a research emphasis on developing novel analytical tools to assess the captured particles when they are most concentrated. In addition to my research, I am also involved in various leadership and volunteering positions.
I am currently seeking academic faculty positions at institutions with a focus on hands on teaching through research and discussion. I am excited to help excite and train the next generation of scientists to seek creative solutions to solve the problems of tomorrow.
Utilizing cutting edge nanofabrication techniques, I fabricate novel sensors capable of isolating endogenous nanoparticles from complex liquid biopsy samples and quantify the presence of biomarkers of interest in a cost-effective manner. I focus on rapid prototyping, automation, and rigorous experimental validation with my background in analytical chemistry. I have in depth experience with clean room practices and maintenance, instrumental automation, machine learning, and synthetic chemistry.
My research harnesses differences in dielectric properties (the ability of charges to move around in response to an electric field) to separate particles in size range that is difficult with any other analytical technique. This process is termed "Dielectrophoresis" and has proven to be an effective method to isolate a wide range of micro and nano particles. However, this technique has seen limited use in high conductance samples such as blood as the voltage required to manipulate these particles would cause the sample to degrade. My work utilizes simulations to aide in designing microelectrodes which are capable of generating strong electric gradients at low voltages, allowing for effective isolation of nanoparticles from whole blood.
These devices enable nanoparticle diagnostics with a precision and simplicity that has never been done before. These devices enable the separation of complex mixtures in a matter of minutes from a single drop (~20 uL) of blood, while current standard practices require tens of milliliters and multiple days to accomplish the same isolation.
See the device in action:
I am grateful to have had opportunities to mentor researchers beginning their careers alongside my own. I have hosted four interns through the OHSU Center for Diversity and Inclusion Equity Research Program and the OHSU B-BRITE program. I also hired a part time undergraduate student worker to work year round on a project which I lead in the Knight Cancer Institute. I have worked with these positions to help make a career path and secure other prestigious internships and research experiences to advance their careers.
Under my supervision, one of my interns has published a peer reviewed manuscript isolating bacterial derived nanoparticles from plasma. Another intern received institutional recognition for the best summer intern poster.
Through serving as the OHSU Biomedical Engineering Society Chapter Treasurer, I was able to plan and execute a budget and plan events to advance camaraderie, professional development, and community outreach for other students in the program. I was also elected to served as the Graduate Student representative for the Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center Council, where I improved safety for researchers working after hours and developed improved feedback mechanism for research project teams.
I am also a project leader in CEDAR where I have secured over $200,000 in grant funding and lead a diverse team of faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, and engineers.
NASA Open Science 101
This certification was earned after completion of the NASA Open Science Curriculum which covers topics including when and how to share open source programs and data.
Teaching Science at University - University of Zurich (Coursera)
This course focused on how to communicate science to university students through course design centered on reframing conceptions and guiding students to take ownership of their learning and draw meaning extended beyond the course.
Training Future Faculty - OHSU (In Progress)
This course focused on how to effectively design lesson plans with an emphasis on backwards course design and student engagement. This course included observed teaching hours, lesson planning, and feedback from students and instructors.
