Current Research:

15094354_618813961624435_2491906777301747056_nDavid Rubenstein, Ph.D. Stony Brook University, SUNY

Sept. 2016 – Present

Cardiovascular Laboratory

My current research under Dr. Rubenstein focuses on the interactions between Kuppfer cells within the liver and circulating platelets with specific focus on how cytokines released by these cells may function in platelet activation.

 

 

Past Research:

Yun Wu, Ph.D. University At Buffalo, SUNY

Nov. 2014 – June 2016

Graduate Research Assistant

Theranostic Nanoparticles Laboaratory

My work focused on the synthesis and verification of multiple therapeutic and theranostic nanoparticles including liposomal, polymeric, and manganese oxide based delivery vectors. These nanoparticles were designed for the delivery of factors for cancer detection and/or treatment.

Associated Skills:

  • Assisted in research of nanoparticles for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
  • Familiarity performing research in biosafety level one (BSL-1) and two (BSL-2) laboratory spaces.
  • Responsible for synthesis and loading of liposome nanoparticles.
  • Experience with cell culture and transfection of cancerous and non-cancerous human cells.
  • Performed analysis of cell transfections via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and flow cytometry.
  • Performed analysis of nanoparticles via dynamic light scattering (DLS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
  • Experience working with rodents for research purposes.

 

Alexei S. Soa10409256_10152251620273541_2142723143952403165_nres, Ph.D. Brookhaven National Laboratory

June – Aug. 2013,  June – Aug. 2014

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Acoustic Droplet Ejection and Protein X-ray Crystallography Laboratory

My work focused on the development of methods and devices for the application of acoustic droplet ejection technologies to the preparation of protein crystal samples intended for x-ray diffraction. This includes the development of parameters for the use of lipidic cubic phase (LCP) for growth and detection of membrane bound protein crystals.

Associated Skills:

  • Assisted in research of drug discovery methods using acoustic droplet ejection and protein crystallography.
  • Responsible for creation and quantification of crystallization solution and conditions for use in crystal growth.
  • Operation of synchrotron beam line for x-ray crystallography.
  • Worked with an international, multidisciplinary team from diverse educational backgrounds.
  • Synthesis of lipidic cubic phase (LCP) discs for membrane-bound protein crystallization and detection.