Work Experience

Engineering Experience

Scientist, Immuno-Oncology - Immorna Biotherapeutics, Fall 2023 - current

• Develop novel RNA-based lipid nanoparticle therapeutics. Create in vitro screening assays for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modification and activity in macrophage and T cells. Authored and maintain IACUC protocols and implement  studies for in vivo topical and metastatic mouse tumor models. Established efficient tissue processing workflows to screen nanoparticle tropism and transgene expression.

Graduate Researcher (Ph.D.) - Duke University, Biomedical Engineering, Fall 2018 - Fall 2023

• Researched applications of nucleic acid nanoparticles (DNA/polymer, mRNA/lipid) and AAV delivery using a self-developed novel porous hydrogel scaffold platform. Worked on enhancing protein and virus manufacturing, and studied mouse models to promote tissue repair in ischemic stroke and diabetic wounds.

• Mentored several undergraduate and high school students, training in technical and professional skills, delegating lab work and time management, and giving support on writing and presentations.

• Developed a remote monitoring system for lab fridges and freezers, tracking temperature and access.

• Managed Vector Biosafety and Radiation protocols, amendments, compliance, and training.

Cell Therapy Discovery Intern - Precision BioSciences, Inc., Summer 2021

• Took on an independent project to generate CAR T cells under the Cell and Gene Therapy Discovery Teams. Studied novel vehicles for gene editing and to create a new approach to generate more robust, persistent T cells and overcome toxicity from standard electroporation methods and improve prognosis for patients with advanced or resistant cancer.

• Developed protocols for vehicle production and characterization, addressing limitations while identifying alternatives for successful nonviral CAR modification.

Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.) - Villanova University Chemical Engineering Department, Summer 2017 to May 2017

• Developed a novel method for T-cell capture and analysis for in-line monitoring during continuous runs in a WAVE bioreactor for CAR T-cell generation, constructing a flow-cell with an antibody-coated membrane for selection and differentiation of T-cells, building off previous work in the lab.

• Created and optimized T-cell growth conditions from cytokine cocktails, nutrient and gas exchange, and activation vs expansion timelines for process scale-up.

• Worked towards non-viral transfection (nanoparticle, electroporation) of gene editing systems for CAR insertion.

Team Captain for VSII - Villanova University, Summer 2017

• • Led an interdisciplinary group of students to develop a novel protocol to produce synthetic minicircle plasmids and stable linearized DNA vectors for gene therapy using Gibson assembly, in addition to constructing a low-cost thermal heating block and 2D agarose gel electrophoresis and purification apparatus.

  • Coordinated team members for project deliverables, with internal presentations to program leaders and public presentations to sponsors (Harris Corporation) and potential investors (College of Engineering Advisory Board).

Pharmaceutical Commercialization Technology (PCT) Intern - Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Summer 2016

• • Worked under the Pharmaceutical Commercialization Technology (PCT) group, as part of Merck's Global Science, Technology & Commercialization (GSTC) manufacturing division.

  • Designed and implemented experiments to evaluate the feasibility of modifying a batch low-shear mixing process to a semi-batch or continuous one for high-throughput.

  • Coordinated with vendors to compare potential mixer technologies, and collaborated with one vendor on an experimental continuous in-line mixer.

Undergraduate Researcher - Villanova University Chemical Engineering Department, Spring 2015 to Spring 2017

• • Researched non-viral gene delivery from polymeric nanoparticles and methods to enhance gene expression by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase and similar nucleic acid sensing pathways (toll-like receptors).

  • Compared several proposed drugs for an inexpensive alternative to the accepted standard, determining which drugs worked best across several concentrations, treatment cycles, and different cell lines, before confirming the mechanism of action for the drugs.

  • Developed a novel protocol for mammalian cell lysis with a modified MiniPrep to collect transfected plasmid DNA for use in bisulfite assays, and optimized the procedure to compare the methylation effects of the drugs quantitatively with DNA sequencing.

Teaching Assistant (TA) - Villanova University College of Engineering, Fall 2014

• • Worked with the EGR-1200, Engineering Interdisciplinary Projects, class. Helped students in guiding their approach to problems when requiring assistance, and in critiquing their work with useful insight while grading. Also assisted the professor in whichever way necessary during the class.

Cellular and Molecular Biology Lab Assistant - Villanova University Biology Department, Fall 2013 to Spring 2014

• • Took inventory of equipment and restocked where needed, cleaned up labs and removed biohazardous waste, and washed glassware.

Other Work Experience

Technician - Duke Technical Services, As of Fall 2019

• Serve as an audio and video technician for campus events, including Duke Chapel and Duke Athletics. Coordinate with directors, performers, coaches, and families for various AV needs. Train new technicians. 

Resident Assistant (RA) - Villanova University, Spring 2016 to May 2017

• Working with the residents in my hall, providing resources, promoting events, and facilitating conversation among everyone to build hall connections and create an enriching and safe academic environment.

Head Technician (and former Equipment Manager) - Villanova University Tech Crew, Fall 2013 to May 2017

• Set up and run light and sound equipment for various campus events, making sure to adhere to safety procedures and ensuring that events run smoothly. As a head tech, facilitate communication with the event contacts and manage the events. 

• As the equipment manager, make sure that all equipment is functional, used properly for specific events; in addition, maintain the office, organizing files and keeping inventory; also coordinate rental of equipment for special event productions

Summer Camp Counselor - City of Seminole Recreation Division, Summer 2014

• Helped to plan and organize the group activities, lead the group to the various stations, and make sure that all participants are enjoying the activities in a safe manner. Also maintained good communication with both the children and their parents, resolving any conflicts or concerns.

Store Attendant - Villanova Dining Services, Fall 2013 to Spring 2015

• Worked as a cashier and clerk at the Donahue Market in the South Campus' Donahue Hall, providing assistance to customers and managing transactions. 

• Also helped to prepare smoothies and food for the late-night service, and maintained stock and a clean work environment.