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Projects
| Electrophysiology-Activated Cell Sorting (EPACS) | 2008-Present | |
 We are developing a new technology for non-genetic, label-free cell purification based on electrophysiological response to stimulus. As many of the cell types relevant for regenerative medicine are electrically-excitable (e.g. cardiomyocytes, neurons, smooth muscle cells), this technology is well-suited for purifying cells from heterogeneous stem cell progeny in clinical applications without the risk and expense associated with labeling molecules. Our prototype cell sorter is capable of distinguishing undifferentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. The system utilizes a microfluidic device with integrated electrodes for electrical stimulation and recording of extracellular field potential signals from cells in flow. This concept represents an entirely new approach to cell sorting, in which a cell's functionality is assessed rather than its expression profile or physical characteristics. |
| LAMP-Based Point-of-Care Pathogen Genotyping System | 2010-Present | |
 We are developing a portable instrument which uses microfluidic cartridges to perform a rapid genotyping assay on bacterial or viral pathogens in blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids. The system uses the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) chemistry for rapid detection of SNPs in pathogenic DNA. We are specifically interested in developing assays for rapid TB drug resistance testing, but this platform can be applied to a variety of host/pathogen diagnostic genotyping applications. |
| Stencil Patterning Method for Improved Stem Cell Uniformity | 2010-Present | |
 Geometric constraints in 2D stem cell tissue cultures greatly influence their potential for pluripotency and differentiation. We are developing a novel stencil-based technique for precisely controlling these geometric parameters, with the ultimate goal of improving stem cell differentiation efficiency and scalability. |
| Microfabricated Environments for Studying Cell Motility | 2011-Present | |
 We are exploring the use of microfabricated environments for studying the cytoskeletal dynamics associated with integrin-independent 3D cell migration. |
| Marine Biology Lab Summer Physiology Course | 2011 | |
 The MBL Physiology Course is an intensive seven-week laboratory course in modern cell biology featuring three main thrusts: microscopy, biochemistry, and computation. The course is famous for drawing top faculty in the biosciences as research mentors and for the state-of-the-art equipment that vendors loan during the summer. It is, honestly, a magical place. I learned a ton and made a lot of great connections. While I was there, I worked on three two-week rotation projects related to cytoskeletal dynamics.
- Investigated T-cell cytoskeleton polarization dynamics using live confocal microscopy (PI: John Hammer, NIH)
- Investigated the mechanotransduction role of Talin in focal adhesions (PI: Mike Sheetz, Columbia/NUS)
- Investigated the polymerization kinetics of a bacterial actin homolog, ParM (PI: Dyche Mullins, UCSF)
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| Fabrication/Characterization of Organic Memories | 2007 | |
 At NCSU, I was involved in the fabrication and electrical characterization of novel memory devices based on redox-active molecules and conductance-switching polymer/nanoparticle complexes.
- Performed electrical experiments including impedance spectroscopy, I-V, cyclic voltammetry, and pulsed-gate measurements.
- Used various deposition techniques: atomic-layer deposition (ALD), sputtering, and thermal evaporation.
- Trained on scanning-electron microscope (SEM)
| | APL Paper |
| Wireless Neural Stimulation Platform | 2005-2006 | |
 I helped develop a wireless telemetry system for an implantable CMOS neural stimulator. We developed a high-speed USB interface, class E power amplifier, and frequency-shift keying data modulator for transcutaneous power and data transmission to the device.
- Wrote image processing algorithms which generated frequency-modulated stimuli across 128 sites based on input from a webcam
- Built a USB interface and associated software for data transmission.
- Built a prototype power/data transmission system which used magnetic telemetry via planar Litz wire coils (pictured)
- Built an LED array which connected to the stimulator outputs and displayed stimulus patterns (pictured)
- Primary author of paper on this work presented at the IEEE Engineering and Medicine in Biology (EMBS) 2006 Conference
| | IEEE EMBS 2006 Conference Paper | Presentation | USB Interface Final Report |
| Seawolf: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle | 2004-2007 | |
 I started the Underwater Robotics Club in 2004. During my time as president, the club built two unique underwater submarines for an annual competition in San Diego. I helped raise over $10k in funds and material donations for the club. The vehicles were completely autonomous and featured 6-DOF capability, acoustic navigation, visual navigation, a doppler velocity logger, and a fuzzy logic control system.
- Founded the Underwater Robotics Club and led a partnership with Vortex HC, LLC for the development of Seawolf I
- Developed an acoustic navigation system based around a TMS320 300MHz DSP
- Assisted with high-density SMT PCB design and population
- Designed PCB for power distribution and did most of the electronics wiring on the vehicle
- Assisted with Linux administration for vehicle's PC/104 computer
| | AUVSI Technical Paper | URC Website | Seawolf I Video | Technician News Article |
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