Research

Research Experiences

SCI Institute, University of Utah

Role: Research Computer Scientist

As a research computer scientist, I work across a range of projects via collaborations within the University of Utah and across the world to apply computational modeling and numerical techniques to various biomedical applications. My main focuses is on computational cardiology and I collaborate closely with internal researchers such as Drs. Rob MacLeod, Karli Gillette, Ravi Ranjan, and Tolga Tasdizen, as well as external researchers.

Ranjan Lab, University of Utah

Role: T32 - Postdoctoral Fellow

During my post-doctoral studies in the lab of Dr. Ravi Ranjan, I focused on the development and implementation of cardiac digital twinning technologies. Cardiac digital twinning is a process by which a virtual replica or twin of a real-life counterpart is created. This twin can then be interrogated to understand things like how a patient might respond to treatment approaches, explore mechanistic underpinning of disease states, and understand how disease progression could be affected by various treatment strategies.

Computational Electrophysiology Group (Rob MacLeod Lab)

Role: Graduate Researcher

I developed my PhD research under the guidance of Dr. Rob MacLeod. In the CEG I worked on a wide range of projects including electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI), machine learning, large animal experimental models, statistical shape modeling, propagation simulation, uncertainty quantification, to name a few. I was able to form and lead international collaborative efforts, attend international conferences, and engage in a rich and active research community. I was also able to mentor a group of amazing undergraduate students, and pursue research at the unique Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute housed at the University of Utah.

IHU Liryc, University of Bordeaux, France

Role: Visiting Researcher

I visited IHU Liryc in the summer of 2022 to work alongside Dr. Laura Bear. I worked with Dr. Bear to manufacture epicardial sock electrodes and intramural needle electrodes for use in animal studies. I was able to contribute my knowledge and experience in producing these electrodes. We then designed and executed a series of torso tank Langgendorf experiments in which we measured epicardial, intramural, and torso surface electrical potentials during a series of interventions. Each intervention consisted of pacing from various locations across the heart under baseline conditions and under simulated myocardial ischemia. Simulation of myocardial ischemia was accomplished by perfusing various combinations of solutions in the perfusion bed of the left anterior descending coronary artery. These solutions included flecainide to slow activation, pinacidil to augment repolarization, and high Potassium solution to augment the resting membrane potential and the plateau potential. Finally, several interventions were performed with reduced flow to the LAD to induce myocardial ischemia. Using this generated dataset Dr. Bear and I have investigated various aspects of electrocardiographic imaging in the context of physiological substrate changes. Analysis of this data is ongoing.

I returned for another visit in 2024 to work again alongside Dr. Bear. We continued the same experimental procedures, however this time we focused on testing the inducibility of arrhythmias under different conditions.

Dean Li/Shannon Odelberg Lab

Role: Research Technician

During the end of my undergraduate studies and following graduation, I worked in the lab of Dr. Dean Li and Dr. Shannon Odelberg as a research technician. I applied my training in molecular biology, and genetics to run assays and experiments for projects that targeted investigation of the role of  the protein Arf6 in inflammatory diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, malaria, multiple sclerosis, and sepsis. One of my main responsibilities was maintaining, and managing the transgenic mouse colony which consisted of over 10 strains with modified genes of interest. Over the course of my work in Dr. Li's and Odelberg's lab I developed my experimental design, management, and execution skills while refining my technical skills.

Brian Avery Lab

Role: Research Technician

During my undergraduate studies I worked with Dr. Brian Avery to study the landscape genetics of brine shrimp in Great Salt Lake. Brine shrimp represent not only a substantial source of commercial activity in Great Salt Lake but also a primary source of food for migratory birds that pass through Utah annually.  We explored the genetic diversity of the brine shrimp using sequencing analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. We sought to identify if there were genetically distinct groups within the lake and if these groups corresponded to different geographic locations in the lake. As my first research experience, my time in Dr. Avery's lab laid out a foundation of scientific skills and training that I carry with me to this day.