Work with thought leaders and academic experts from Baylor College of Medicine

Assistant Professor / — January, 2009

CTO / February, 2019 — Present

Execute the company's technological roadmap in alignment with business goals and vision. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and enhance crop protection products. Analyze market trends and competitive landscape to identify new technological advancements and product differentiation opportunities. ● Built strong partnerships with Ag-tech firms, investors, academic scholars, and growers. ● Controlled research and development budget of more than $10M to drive innovation into tangible outcomes. ● Developed independent research laboratory and managed R&D, multi-national field tests, and commercialization plans. ● Conducted market research to enhance product offerings and align with customer requirements.

Senior Scientist / September, 2012 — November, 2020

Supported multidisciplinary teams in assessing complex data sets, identifying patterns, and drawing meaningful conclusions. Led design and execution of experiments, ensuring adherence to scientific protocols and research methodologies. Facilitated collaborative research projects and leveraged resources for mutual benefit. ● Recognized as the inventor of several technologies, delivering a foundation for establishing Ascribe Bioscience. ● Uncovered unique processes of plant and animal responses to external stresses. ● Earned promotion to Senior Scientist in 2017 based on excellent performance. ● Expert in the fields of Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Crop Protection, and Gene Editing. ● Authored revolutionary research publications in Agriculture, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Natural Chemistry.

Graduate Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Associate / May, 2008 — September, 2012

The objective was to study and optimize CAX-mediated biofortification and phytoremediation in plants. My research investigated the physiological functions, structure-function relationship, and inter- and intra-molecular interactions of calcium transporters cation/proton exchangers known as CAX in plants. My research used Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) as the model system to study CAX transporters and established membrane fractionation and enrichment techniques to evaluate the real-time movement of metals between membranes. Moreover, I also characterized new calcium transporters from both plants and animals. Other experience: Hands-on experience in executing potency assays (binding assays, In vitro, In vivo). Hands-on experience in RNAi technology (Designing, cloning, and heterologous expression of siRNA in plants targeting animal mRNA).

Visiting Research Student / September, 2010 — September, 2012

My work objective was to express and purify CAX (Calcium transporter) proteins through heterologous expression and determine their three-dimensional structure using X-ray crystallography. The work involved cloning 15+ CAX proteins from different plant species in E. coli and yeast expression vectors. It also included optimizing and expressing protein production, screening and solubilizing proteins using detergents, and purifying functional proteins through affinity chromatography. The metal transport activity of purified proteins was evaluated by reconstituting the proteins in proteoliposomes, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and in inverted vesicles prepared from protein-expressing E. coli cells. The purified protein underwent crystallization screening to assess the effectiveness of methods, reagents, and other variables in producing high-quality crystals of CAX proteins for 3D structure analysis.

Senior Scientist / October, 2021 — November, 2023

• Led the growth of a biotech startup from conception to a $3 million entity. • Built and managed a team comprising 11 employees and consultants. • Directed comprehensive pre-clinical studies to demonstrate feasibility and efficacy, aligning with expectations for pre-IND FDA meetings. • Led the application of Biochemistry and high-throughput molecular biology techniques to engineer probiotic bacterial strains that secrete anti-inflammatory human cytokines in a controlled manner, advancing therapeutic solutions. • Designed an NGS-based biomarker assay to improve the selection process for clinical trial participants, anticipating FDA requirements for the IND meeting. • Built and managed a diverse R&D team of scientists, a biomedical engineer, associate researchers, and a lab manager, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

Scientist / September, 2020 — October, 2021

• Engineered optogenetic tools and developed Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators (GEVIs) for neuron behavior modulation and in-vivo monitoring, using an integrated approach spanning synthetic biology to neuroscience. • Expertly managed cell cultures, specializing in human and rodent cell lines, ensuring optimal conditions and results for experimental setups. • Utilized Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) methods for targeted neuronal manipulation. • Managed and updated SOPs and protocols, ensuring research quality and compliance. • Mastered advanced microscopy systems, such as automated confocal and Two-photon excitation, including proficiency with the NIS-Elements software (Nikon). • Mentored and trained team members, promoting professional growth and consistency in lab practices.

Post-doc / July, 2018 — September, 2020

• Developed biocomputational circuits and bacterial sensors with synthetic biology, Biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques for biomarker detection in environmental samples. • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and played a pivotal role in multi-million-dollar projects, funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). • Developed and optimized a mini-bioreactor system capable of running 200 bioreactors for high-throughput screening of genetically engineered probiotic strains and their media, targeting desired attributes. • Spearheaded the optimization of state-of-the-art multiplex microfluidic systems. • Mastered analytical tools and methods, including Flow Cytometry, GC-MS, Microfluidics, and Python-based data analysis.

Post-doc / August, 2014 — July, 2018

• Designed bacterial strains using synthetic biology, microbiology, and protein engineering to interface with electronic circuits, produce signals for biosensors, or convert substrates into biofuels. • Collaborated with material scientists and electronic engineers and biochemists to pioneer devices designed to interface engineered bacteria with electronic circuits, targeting biofuel generation and IoT biosensor advancements. • Optimized conditions for effective biofuel production in Automated Environmental Bioreactors for Controlled Cultivation, ranging in size from 5 mL to 10,000 mL. • Acquired a diverse skill set encompassing clean room operations, bioreactor usage, metabolic simulations, analytical techniques, such as HPLC/FPLC, protein engineering, and 3D printing for device development.

Post-Doc / 2015 — 2016

• Collaborated with electronic engineers on the innovative design of an autonomous bioelectronic sensing system aimed at advancing environmental biosensing for the Office of Naval Research (ONR). • Played a pivotal role in a multi-disciplinary, multi-million-dollar project funded by the ONR, ensuring timely milestone achievements and streamlined progress. • Led a dedicated team comprising two graduate students specializing in electronic engineering and synthetic biology.