Irvine, California, United States
My driving motivation has always been the pursuit of understanding—across biology, technology, and the boundless frontier, whether in flight or in space. I believe science and exploration are two sides of the same coin: both demand curiosity, courage, and the willingness to operate in the unknown. As a scientist, I’ve spent nearly a decade developing molecular assays, launching NGS-based oncology diagnostics, automating on liquid-handling platforms, and mentoring/learning in cross-functional teams. I integrate AI/ML principles to elevate data-driven decision-making and unlock insight from complexity—thriving in environments where rigor, collaboration, and innovation intersect. I seek to push boundaries in both discovery and implementation. My work is rooted in a simple belief: to understand, improve, and expand what’s possible. I value execution because it breeds mastery. I value mystery because it sparks awe. And I value questions—more than answers—because they are what move humanity forward. “The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers… he’s one who asks the right questions.” – Claude Levi-Strauss “The difficulty of execution provides the immeasurable satisfaction of doing it well.” “A child-like man… is one who continues to grow long after others have settled into habit.” – Aldous Huxley Beyond the lab, I pursue growth across other frontiers—from aviation to astronautics—guided by the same principles of discipline, curiosity, and service. I aim to contribute meaningfully to humankind’s evolution—through science, flight, and imagination.
| NGS Assay Development | Automation | AI-Driven Optimization | Mentorship | Multi-role capabilities | • Led development and launch of clinical-grade NGS assays, including RNA fusion panels using Total Nucleic Acid inputs. • Designed, scripted, and implemented automation workflows (Hamilton STAR/STARlet, Integra, KingFisher) for high-throughput diagnostics. • Developed & Evaluated Multiplex qPCR technologies, before operationalization. • Led Liquid Handling automation efforts for qPCR-based Fluidim Chip loading; COVID-19 testing (up to 20K cases/day, and beyond once reaching peak operation) during the pandemic response. • Applied AI/ML principles for data mining, assay optimization, and performance tracking. • Mentored junior scientists, supported cross-functional collaborations, and contributed to product commercialization strategies. • Supported liquid biopsy R&D, validation, and internal automation scripting for oncology applications.
• Key contributor to the development of the company’s most revenue-generating Solid & Heme NGS panels. • Spearheaded DNA variant and RNA fusion analysis; collaborated with Illumina & Qiagen to develop proprietary technology in sequencing and post-sequence handling. • Served as principal developer for the NeoTYPE® Follicular Lymphoma Profile—now commercially available. • Built TMB v2 pipeline; submitted results to FOC Consortium and supported integration into clinical workflow • Developed training protocols for Clinical Lab Scientists and cross-department SOPs. • Acted as bioinformatics liaison • Initiated and launched custom bead cleanups and normalization pipelines for NGS library prep, using multiple automation platforms; Piloted company’s first pre-library prep based automation; launched in Jun 2020 • Initiated Liquid Handling Automation effort, with a small internal team, exploring the widespread adoption of automation in lab, before company-wide efforts; leading in both technical details and the influencing of 'hearts & minds.'
| Single-Cell Genomics | Bioinformatics | NGS | Clinical Assay Development • Core-member of small team leading validation project using DEPArray (V2/NxT) for single-cell isolation from solid-tumor and blood samples (CTC-focused); certified in CELLSEARCH®: - Performed Single Cell Whole Genome Amplification (WGA), LowPass library prep, and IonTorrent sequencing - Conducted bioinformatics analysis of Copy Number Aberrations (CNA) using Linux/Unix pipelines; streamlined workflows via code debugging and scripting - Managed pre- and post-sequencing data across projects; optimized data traceability - Designed and carried out experiments for concordance studies - Minor Culture work, involving single (human) cell micromanipulation & isolation • Developed and validated in-house aCGH microarray assays for CNV detection from FFPE-derived DNA • Supported multiple clinical sequencing projects (CHOC, Mirati, EntroGen, SkylineDx) with various sequencing-based assays (MiSeq, NextSeq, Affymetrix/Microarrays, etc ) • Trained Clinical Lab Scientists (CLS) and authored SOPs for assay implementation • Provided support for internal R&D studies and client-facing deliverables across molecular diagnostics • Misc other internal projects
| DEPArray Workflow Development | FFPE Processing | Automation Concepts • Supported DEPArray validation projects by preparing, staining, and sorting FFPE-dissociated tumor/stromal cells • Operated DEPArray V2 & NxT platforms for downstream NGS and FISH sample processing • Conducted histological workflows including H&E staining, deparaffinization, and immunoassay prep • Proposed and initiated automation feasibility using Hamilton liquid handlers for FFPE dissociation—self-directed pilot to enhance productivity. In the meantime, used it to perform library preparation on Exome-Hybrid Capture Library Preparation • Authored early SOP drafts for internal validation workflows, equipment maintenance protocols, etc
|Developmental & Cell Biology Lab| My work contributed to the Gene Regulatory Network project. My role was to investigate, identify, and map global binding sites for a select transcription factor of interest. This involved generating ChIP-Seq data for a self-proposed, independent thesis project, utilizing the resources and guidance available to me in lab (proposal draft available). • Purified Ventx2 antibody(Ab) from serum, using affinity columns that I have made. • Conducted Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)–qPCR experiments using the new Ventx2 Ab in Xenopus tropicailis embryos (designed multiple primers). Verified Ventx2 Ab as ChIP-grade. Analyzed Ventx2 ChIP-Seq Data using downstream Bioinformatics tools. • Advised undergraduate researchers. • Was a delegate for EH&S: Received training. Was in charge of outfitting the lab with proper PPE and was a correspondence for any waste/hazardous pickups. • Self-started mini-project using 3D Printer: Made a lever for the Ultrapure Water Filtration system. Used 3D Scanning, Printing machines (Makerbot), and Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) software, Solidworks (self-taught in a span of a month).
• Advanced Molecular Biology Lab (M116L). • Biochemistry (Bio98A).
My work(s) contributed to the Gene Regulatory Network project. Generated ChIP-grade antibodies for transcription factors involved in early mesendodermal development in Xenopus tropicalis embryos. Constructed and cloned multiple gene expression vectors • Produced GST-fusion proteins and optimized expression conditions • Supported fusion construct development (e.g., Ventx2, FoxA2, Sox7, hhex) • Collaborated across labs, including with Dr. Aaron Zorn’s team • Created barcode-tagged luciferase constructs for embryonic stem cell experiments
| Systems Protein Biochemistry Lab | Integrative Biosciences & Biotechnology (IBB) department. • Contributed to a proof-of-concept NGS project integrating Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for molecular interaction studies. • Conducted literature and patent reviews to guide polymerase selection for AFM compatibility • Performed experiments and co-authored findings on REST-TRF2 protein association in tumorigenesis • Facilitated collaboration with OHSU on ASCOM Complex-related metabolic disease research • Drafted technical reports and presented findings during joint conferences
• Provided personalized academic tutoring for high school students in: Math, English, General and Advanced Placement (AP) Science courses