Alex K.

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate @ Northwestern University | Synthetic Biology | United World College Scholar

Evanston, Illinois, United States

About

Aspiring Chemical Engineer with project experience in motion analysis and assistive technology, driven to make a measurable impact through innovative design and engineering. ► Experienced in laboratory techniques like Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry (MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy, Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC), Recrystallization, and Electrolysis. ► Collaborated with the Shriners Children’s Hospital Motion Analysis Center to enhance precision in orthopedic patient assessments, contributing to a model with 1° accuracy in motion analysis. ► Currently, I am exploring a broad array of research areas within Chemical Engineering, with a focus on advancing my skills in sustainable process development. My aim is to contribute to impactful research and development projects that push the boundaries of chemical engineering and sustainability. Specialities: Introductory Instrumental Analysis, Material Characterization, Chemical Process Optimization, and Sustainable Design. Connect with me at [email protected] to discuss research opportunities!

Experience

  • Undergraduate Researcher – Lucks & Leonard Labs at Center for Synthetic Biology at Northwestern University
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    Developing synthetic RNA control technologies for next-generation vaccines by engineering RNA switches to precisely regulate antigen expression and replication dynamics, applying molecular biology and cell culture techniques, and designing clinically translatable platforms to overcome limitations of existing replicon vaccines (toxicity, dose responsiveness, amplification noise). Recipient of the DeFeo Family Undergraduate Research Fellowship Award to conduct research full-time in Summer 2025 and beyond.

  • Norris Technical Services AV Technician at Northwestern University
    Nov 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

    Provided seamless AV support for university-hosted events by serving as the primary client liaison, preparing and troubleshooting complex AV systems, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, and collaborating across departments to deliver high-quality, reliable event execution.

  • Undergraduate Researcher – Notestein Research Group at McCormick School of Engineering
    Nov 2024 - Jun 2025 · 8 mos

    Designed and optimized chemical processes for alkanolamine synthesis to support carbon capture applications by conducting kinetic studies, leveraging gas chromatography for data-driven modeling, and evaluating solvent and catalytic effects to improve efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.