Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States
Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering Rowan University Thesis: The role of small GTPases in regulating blood-brain barrier mechanotransduction
• Function lead for cell line development (CLD) projects covering cell transformation, single cell selection and outgrowth, fed batch screening, stability studies, and cell cryopreservation. • Coordinated with manufacturing teams to ensure smooth tech transfer and cGMP bank manufacturing. • Authored SOPS and collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather necessary information and input for the development and refinement of SOPs, protocols, and summary reports related investigations. • Managed project timelines, led teams, and delivered oral and written deliverables. • Deployed python and R based applications to scape and process data • Lead biostatistical analyst leveraging historical data to generate predictive process models • SME for AMBR 250 and 15 for process characterization and clone screening • Extensive experience with alternative culture modes for biologics production including Intensified fed batch and continuous perfusion platforms(ATF/TFF) • Internal development lead for evaluating new equipment to improve process efficiencies • Experience with Pilot scale (50L - 200L), bench scale (3L-15L), and rock motion (10-50L) fermentation systems • Developed BLI based assays for titer evaluation of challenging molecules.
Lead Cell culture Process Development (CCPD) and Cell Line Development (CLD) workflows for recombinant biologics programs from early research through cGMP manufacturing and technology transfer. Drive optimization of CHO fed-batch and continuous perfusion (ATF/TFF) culture strategies to improve yield, productivity, scalability, and process robustness. Manage scale-up and technology transfer from AMBR and bench-scale systems to pilot-scale SUBs (3–200 L), ensuring process alignment across internal and client manufacturing sites. Apply Design of Experiments (DOE), multivariate statistical analysis, and predictive modeling using R and JMP to identify critical process parameters (CPPs) and reduce process variability. Support high-throughput clone screening and process characterization using AMBR 15/250 HT systems and automated analytical platforms. Function lead For CLD activities including cell transformation, single-cell cloning and outgrowth, fed-batch screening, stability studies, and cell cryopreservation. Develop and execute multiplex flow cytometry and Octet BLI assays for clone evaluation, productivity assessment, and process optimization. Develop and implement data-driven process models correlating metabolic profiles with culture performance and scalability outcomes. Collaborate cross-functionally with cell line development, analytical, downstream, manufacturing, and process sciences teams to deliver integrated bioprocess solutions. Design and implement cell banking and cryopreservation strategies to support stable clone generation and manufacturing readiness. Mentor junior scientists in upstream experimental design, aseptic mammalian cell culture techniques, data interpretation, and bioreactor operations. Author SOPs, technical reports, process characterization studies, and technology transfer documentation supporting regulatory submissions.
• Uncovered novel components of a mechanosensing complex associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) formation under fluid shear stress. • Interrogated the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the BBB and identified RhoA as a key component of disease pathology. • Developed a novel in vitro cell model to study the role of RhoA in multicellular viscoelastic mechanics. • Employed finite element modeling via a commercial program, COMSOL, to study hyper-elastic properties of cell sheets in conjunction with physical testing using a micro-tensiometer • Gained extensive knowledge of the central nervous system (CNS) and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s • Developed comprehensive experience in molecular biology techniques including PCR, ELISA, Western Blot, electrophoresis, pull-down, and immunoprecipitation • Engineered and designed different Arduino based peristaltic pump systems for time-dependent and steady fluid flow regimes • Cultured numerous cell types including cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, MSC, dermal fibroblasts, astrocytes, human brain vascular pericytes, coronal smooth muscle cells, lung microvascular endothelial cells, and iPSCs • Differentiated iPS cells into specific phenotypes using defined culture media • Genetically modified multiple cell types using plasmids, lentivirus, adenoviruses, CRISPR, and siRNA • Optimized protein and nucleotide extraction methods for three-dimensional in vitro models • Validated engineered blood vessel functionality using permeability, Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER)and immunofluorescence assays • Studied the effects of fluid flow on ultrasound based vascular disruption for cancer treatment • Characterized bovine blood flow profiles using mPIV in acellular and cell seeded models • Prototyped and tested a novel platform to study hemodynamics in a 3D printed disturbed flow model • Manufactured hypoxic models to study the role of oxygen gradients on angiogenesis and barriergenesis
• Instructed undergraduate students in a wide range of laboratory techniques including mammalian cell culture, finite element modeling, microfluidic device manufacturing and statistical analysis. • Provided feedback and guidance on oral presentations and written reports
• Participated in an annual summer program that hosts high school students from underserved communities • Responsible for overseeing groups of students and leading them through various projects
Developed engineered in vitro mammalian cell culture systems to study mechanistic drivers of cellular signaling and multicellular behavior. Designed and executed quantitative cell-based assays in 2D and 3D culture systems using imaging, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology techniques. Applied computational modeling tools including COMSOL, MATLAB, R, and multivariate analysis methods for quantitative biological and engineering analysis. Developed automated workflows for image processing, morphology quantification, and high-dimensional biological data analysis. Designed custom fluid flow and microphysiological systems to investigate cellular responses to environmental and mechanical perturbations. Presented findings at national conferences and contributed to multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications.