Research Experience

Bacterial Evolution and Resistance to Nano-Enabled Antimicrobials (2025-Present)

Dr. Lisa Stabryla and Dr. Rachel Poretsky, University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC)

• Evaluating the effects of metal and metal oxide nanoparticle properties on antimicrobial resistance

• Investigating the relationship between nanoparticle properties and antimicrobial activity

• Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Advancing Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Using Mechanistic Insights (2019-2024)

Dr. Krista Wigginton, University of Michigan

• Determined first-order decay rates from biphasic kinetics of virus decay in wastewater under different environmentally relevant conditions

• Evaluated the utility of wastewater-based epidemiology for new or emerging viruses such as respiratory human adenovirus, specifically species E and F

• Developed a mass-balance approach to estimate the mean settled solids age of samples taken from the underflow of primary clarifiers for the purpose of disease surveillance

• Determined optimal disinfection conditions with heat and humidity for model viruses to be inactivated for N95 mask decontamination and reuse

• Conducted culture-based assessment of virus removal through filtration techniques and piloted flow cytometry for near real-time monitoring of viruses in water matrices

• Role: Graduate Student Research Assistant

Impact of Metals and QACs on Antimicrobial Resistance in Drinking Water (2017-2019)

Dr. Patrick McNamara, Marquette University

• Led an independent study on the effect of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), namely benzalkonium chloride, on the abundance of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in drinking water

• Conducted studies on the effects of metals including zinc and copper from aging drinking water infrastructure on the relative abundance of antimicrobial resistance

• Role: Undergraduate Student Researcher