About

Work Experience

• Scientist, Molecular Biology, Xylome Corporation

  Jan, 2024 - Sep, 20251 year 8 months

  Led molecular biology projects to engineer yeast strains for higher oil yield and improved fermentation workflows. Mentored junior scientists, communicated technical progress to clients and stakeholders, and coordinated R&D activities with product goals.

  • Designed and engineered yeast strains for high-efficiency oil production to improve fermentation processes.

  • Mentored junior scientists and staff; provided technical guidance and fostered collaborative problem-solving.

  • Presented research and project updates to clients, shareholders, and government agencies.

  • Aligned R&D goals with business objectives to bridge scientific and commercial needs.

• Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Laboratory of Dr. Megan McClean

  May, 2023 - Jul, 20232 months

  Focused on RNA-seq data analysis to identify candidate genes for fungal pathogenesis and biofilm studies. Mentored a new graduate student and supported experimental design for follow-up projects.

  • Mentored a new graduate student to establish independent projects based on prior RNA-seq work.

  • Collaboratively analyzed RNA-seq data to identify key genes for follow-up studies.

• Graduate Research Assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Laboratory of Dr. Megan McClean

  Sep, 2017 - May, 20235 years 8 months

  Conducted dissertation research on Candida albicans biofilm development and dispersion using microfluidics, RNA-seq, and optogenetic tools. Designed experiments, utilized analysis pipelines (MATLAB/Python), and mentored undergraduate researchers.

  • Co-developed under-oil microfluidics for screening large mutant libraries across the C. albicans lifecycle, focusing on dispersion.

  • Screened 165 transcription factor mutants for dispersion phenotypes using 96-well and microfluidic assays.

  • Performed RNA-seq and advanced analyses to characterize regulation of a transcriptional regulator in fungal biofilm development.

  • Adapted optogenetic tools (CRY2/CIB1) from S. cerevisiae to C. albicans, enabling light-controlled transcription.

  • Utilized analysis pipelines (MATLAB, Python) for robust, systematic data analysis.

• Bioprocess R&D Intern, IFF / Danisco US

  Jan, 2022 - Mar, 20222 months

  Developed and validated protocols for BactoBox and Lyotherm 3 to support probiotics and dairy enzyme research. Trained staff on equipment use and presented testing results to Process R&D.

  • Developed protocols for BactoBox and Lyotherm 3 to support probiotics and dairy enzyme research.

  • Trained team members on BactoBox operation and presented equipment testing results to Process R&D.

• Research Intern, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Laboratory of Dr. Megan McClean

  Jun, 2015 - Aug, 20172 years 2 months

  Built and validated optogenetic constructs in S. cerevisiae, established laboratory workflows for C. albicans, and led undergraduate teams on microfluidics and lifecycle experiments.

  • Developed optogenetic tools for transcriptional control in S. cerevisiae using homologous recombination, Gibson, and Golden Gate assembly.

  • Established C. albicans as a lab organism including growth, storage, transformation, and experimental parameters.

  • Led undergraduate teams to study C. albicans physiology; developed microfluidics for lifecycle studies (dispersion).

• Undergraduate Research Lab Assistant, University of Minnesota, Duluth, Laboratory of Dr. Jennifer Liang

  Jun, 2014 - May, 201511 months

  Supported zebrafish developmental biology projects with microscopy and in situ hybridization, assisted with mutant screening, and maintained animal care routines.

  • Assisted with data collection and mutant embryo identification via in situ hybridization and brightfield microscopy.

  • Maintained Danio rerio (zebrafish) adults and embryos, including feeding schedules and tank upkeep.

Projects Experience

• Unraveling Candida albicans dispersion by screening transcription factor mutants, Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference

  Oct, 2022 - Oct, 20221 day

• Shining light on the process of dispersion in Candida albicans, Central US Synthetic Biology Workshop

  Oct, 2022 - Oct, 20221 day

• Microfluidic and Optogenetic Tools for Studying Biofilm Development and Dispersion in Candida albicans, Candida and Candidiasis Conference

  Mar, 2021 - Mar, 20211 day

• YOTK: Tools to Tune Intracellular Protein Concentration, 30th Fungal Genetics Conference

  Mar, 2019 - Mar, 20191 day

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