Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Molecular biologist by training, currently working on the reproducibility problem in organoid automation. The core question: what does it actually take to make automated 3D culture data trustworthy enough for pharma decision-making? From my experience in electron microscopy, structural biology, mass spectrometry, and proteomics, I've learned to care about what a measurement is actually telling you, and where it breaks down. A relevant skill when you're trying to define acceptance criteria for a live biological system running on a robot. At MO:RE, I'm working on the process control around automated organoid workflows: QC criteria, imaging, protocol optimization and translating that into regulatory expectations for NAMs. The interesting part is designing the objective functions: what gets measured, what it means, and what "decision-grade data" actually requires from a 3D culture system. How can we build the infrastructure to make the biological model's output credible?
Developed and applied novel biochemical and analytical methods for protein structure characterization via mass spectrometry. Supervised by Prof. Dr. David Schriemer. ▷ Innovated new experimental methods for protein structure analysis, resulting in a four-fold increase in data output compared to the previous design. Applied to the analysis of a pharmaceutical drug–protein and host-pathogen protein-protein interaction systems. Method was adopted as an approach for antibody epitope discovery in pharmaceutical industry (e.g. GSK, BMS) ▷ Co-developed algorithms for software for statistical evaluation of novel data, resulting in an approx. 10-fold increase in resolving amino-acid modifications ▷ Collaborated with chemists and biologists in industry (Thermo Fischer & Pfizer) and external research groups. Resulting in 5 first-author and 3 co-author publications ▷ Oversaw operation and maintenance of a flagship mass spectrometer instrument used by lab members
Instructor and TA of Calgary’s international Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) team, an international research competition in applied synthetic biology with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. The project proposed a solution for the management of ionizing radiation experienced by astronauts. Supervised by Dr. Mayi Arcellana-Panlilio ▷ Recruited, led and mentored a multidisciplinary team of 15 undergraduate students in a synthetic biology competition ▷ Taught complex synthetic biology principles to an international team of students of varying backgrounds and skill sets ▷ Led an initiative to establish iGEM as a formal program at University of Calgary after a one year hiatus ▷ Project was nominated for Best Applied Design, and awarded Best Integrated Human Practices, demonstrating project excellence and practical considerations For more information and project details check out: http://2016.igem.org/Team:UofC_Calgary
Responsibilites include instructing swimming lessons for both children and adults, monitoring patron safety and providing first-aid, customer service, maintaining a public swimming pool and recreational facility, and performing administrative duties. Certified as an Advanced Swimming Pool Operator.
Team lead of Calgary’s Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) research team, an international research competition in synthetic biology with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Our project addressed the misdiagnosis of infectious diseases. Supervised by Dr. Anthony Schryvers. ▷ Led a team of 13 peers from a diverse set of backgrounds in a competitive environment ▷ Managed a complex project with 4 sub-projects and performed strategic planning ▷ Fund-raised and recruited stakeholders providing CAD $10k+ in laboratory resources ▷ Co-organised and moderated an international, two-day workshop ▷ Engaged with legislative bodies on policy development ▷ Presented our project at the UN Biological Weapons Convention (Geneva, Switzerland) by invitation of the Canadian Delegation ▷ Participated in a joint Canada-US discussion on synthetic biology policy For more information and project details check out: http://2014.igem.org/Team:Calgary
Studying the effects of Influenza A Virus infection on the human nuclear pore complex and viral replication. Supervised by Dr. Jan Kosinski. ▷ Employed cutting-edge technologies of cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry proteomics, fluorescent light microscopy and computational modelling ▷ Optimised workflow process resulting in 3x increase in throughput ▷ Produced a previously unknown structure of the human nuclear pore complex during Influenza A Virus infection ▷ Collaborated with multidisciplinary computational and lab-based teams ▷ Statistically analysed large data sets e.g. 700+ 3D electron tomograms and proteomics data with 6000+ proteins with multiple dimensions over 5 time-points ▷ Utilised a high-performance compute cluster for data analysis and modelling ▷ Effectively communicated complex scientific concepts at three international conferences, reaching a cumulative audience 300+ experts ▷ Advised our Proteomics Core Facility in redesigning their cross-linking analysis service, resulting in 2x data output ▷ Recruited and mentored a Master's student through their research journey; mentored 2 PhD students in technical aspects and communication ▷ Acted as Postdoctoral Fellow Representative (Apr 2021 - Aug 2022) at the CSSB ▷ Initiated and led a 1.5–day professional development retreat, to counteract our reduced networking opportunities due to the pandemic for my 2019 EIPOD cohort