Experience

BioMADE

• United States
• Biotechnology
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Project Engineer

  • Apr 2021 - May 2023



PureBiomass, Inc.

• Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

• Senior Process Engineer

  • Nov 2018 - Mar 2021

  Designed experiments and performed statistical analysis to optimize algae cultivation in large-scale photobioreactors. Performed engineering calculations and made process scale-up estimates. Developed detailed process simulations for predicting culture growth characteristics and guiding media optimization experiments. Prepared detailed proposals for both R&D and product commercialization activities, which have resulted in >$1.5 MM in grant awards from the NSF and USDA… Show more Designed experiments and performed statistical analysis to optimize algae cultivation in large-scale photobioreactors. Performed engineering calculations and made process scale-up estimates. Developed detailed process simulations for predicting culture growth characteristics and guiding media optimization experiments. Prepared detailed proposals for both R&D and product commercialization activities, which have resulted in >$1.5 MM in grant awards from the NSF and USDA Small Business Innovation Research Programs (SBIR) Show less Designed experiments and performed statistical analysis to optimize algae cultivation in large-scale photobioreactors. Performed engineering calculations and made process scale-up estimates. Developed detailed process simulations for predicting culture growth characteristics and guiding media optimization experiments. Prepared detailed proposals for both R&D and product commercialization activities, which have resulted in >$1.5 MM in grant awards from the NSF and USDA… Show more Designed experiments and performed statistical analysis to optimize algae cultivation in large-scale photobioreactors. Performed engineering calculations and made process scale-up estimates. Developed detailed process simulations for predicting culture growth characteristics and guiding media optimization experiments. Prepared detailed proposals for both R&D and product commercialization activities, which have resulted in >$1.5 MM in grant awards from the NSF and USDA Small Business Innovation Research Programs (SBIR) Show less



University of Minnesota

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Researcher 6

  • 2015 - Nov 2018

  Predicting the Evolution of Metabolic Networks Used computer models to study the properties of microbial metabolic networks Developed entropy maximization theory to predict the flux distribution and evolution of metabolic networks. Explored the effects of different environmental constraints on metabolic flux distributions Characterization of PHA Block-Copolymer Structures Studied the chemical properties of microbially synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)… Show more Predicting the Evolution of Metabolic Networks Used computer models to study the properties of microbial metabolic networks Developed entropy maximization theory to predict the flux distribution and evolution of metabolic networks. Explored the effects of different environmental constraints on metabolic flux distributions Characterization of PHA Block-Copolymer Structures Studied the chemical properties of microbially synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) block-copolymers Evaluated the use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometery for the characterization of block-copolymer blends Developed computer algorithm to analyze mass spectra data and infer block-copolymer structure.

• Postdoctoral Researcher

  • 2014 - 2015

  Bioreactor Feedback Control Using Real-Time Flow Cytometry Analysis Operated state-of-the art, 2-L, DasGip bioreactor control units Operated and programed software for FlowCytoPrep, automated sampling and cell staining instrument Analyzed cell populations using flow cytometery Directed the work of three undergraduate research assistants

• Graduate Research Assistant

  • 2009 - 2014

  Synthesized and characterized polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) block copolymers, using a variety of renewable feedstocks. Utilized real-time mass spectroscopy data from biosynthesis product gas to control the size and composition of block-copolymer heterodomains. Developed a controlled bioreactor system for the cultivation of microorganism from CO2, H2, and O2. Employed online mass-spectroscopy analysis to monitor CO2 and H2 conversion yields during biosynthesis. Devised and implemented a… Show more Synthesized and characterized polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) block copolymers, using a variety of renewable feedstocks. Utilized real-time mass spectroscopy data from biosynthesis product gas to control the size and composition of block-copolymer heterodomains. Developed a controlled bioreactor system for the cultivation of microorganism from CO2, H2, and O2. Employed online mass-spectroscopy analysis to monitor CO2 and H2 conversion yields during biosynthesis. Devised and implemented a feedback control strategy to achieve the carbon-neutral conversion of a heterotrophic feed-stock by supplementation with a H2 co-feed. Measured bioreactor kLa values and performed scale-up calculations. Performed computational, metabolic network analysis, recombinant pathway construction, protein engineering, and host strain optimization for the production of polyhydroxyalkanaote block copolymers in E. coli. Utilized cell staining and flow cytometery for the quantification of PHA polymer production in by different mutant polymerases. Assisted in the writing of several grant applications and a patent application. Presented research findings at numerous professional meetings and international conferences. All projects were under the direction of Prof. Friedrich Srienc.

• Recitation Instructor

  • Sep 2012 - Dec 2012

  Taught two recitation sections for an undergraduate Chemical Engineering Process Controls course.

• Graduate Research Assistant

  • Aug 2005 - Oct 2009

  Performed molecular cloning to create synthetic gene networks capable of bistable gene expression in recombinant E. coli. Characterized the dynamical behavior of 4 unique bistable networks, using chemical induction experiments. Utilized flow cytometery to measure the cellular response of bistable networks under different inducer concentrations. Developed mathematical models of cell physiology and gene transcription to describe the dynamical behaviors of the bistable gene… Show more Performed molecular cloning to create synthetic gene networks capable of bistable gene expression in recombinant E. coli. Characterized the dynamical behavior of 4 unique bistable networks, using chemical induction experiments. Utilized flow cytometery to measure the cellular response of bistable networks under different inducer concentrations. Developed mathematical models of cell physiology and gene transcription to describe the dynamical behaviors of the bistable gene networks. Separate kinetic models were created for both deterministic and stochastic formulations. Executed simulations on a multi-processor supercomputer.

• Teaching Assistant

  • 2006 - 2008

  Graduate Linear Algebra / Undergraduate Mass Transfer / Undergraduate Kinetics and Reactor Design



Khalifa University

• United Arab Emirates
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Research Internship

  • Jun 2012 - Jul 2012

  Prepared and tested PHA-graphene nanocomposites. Characterization methods included differential scanning calorimetery, thermal gravametric analysis, oscillating shear rheology, tensile testing, and analysis of transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy images. Utilized flow cytometery to analyze the particle size distribution of graphene-oxide nanoparticles. Project involved collaboration with Dr. Ahmed Abdala of the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi, UAE Prepared and tested PHA-graphene nanocomposites. Characterization methods included differential scanning calorimetery, thermal gravametric analysis, oscillating shear rheology, tensile testing, and analysis of transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy images. Utilized flow cytometery to analyze the particle size distribution of graphene-oxide nanoparticles. Project involved collaboration with Dr. Ahmed Abdala of the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi, UAE



Merck

• United States
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Factory Engineer

  • May 2002 - Aug 2005

  Biotechnology, Fermentation, Manufacturing Support, Pilot Plant evaluation of small molecule microbial biosynthesis Biotechnology, Fermentation, Manufacturing Support, Pilot Plant evaluation of small molecule microbial biosynthesis



Merck

• United States
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Undergraduate Co-op Student

  • Jun 1999 - Dec 2000

  Pharmaceutical Finishing / Factory Installation / Performance Qualification Pharmaceutical Finishing / Factory Installation / Performance Qualification