hIPSC Development Consultant / May, 2024 — Present

Partnered with two hIPSC biotechnology companies to optimize human hIPSC culture and differentiation workflows for assay-ready disease models. Optimized hIPSC-derived systems to enhance inflammatory and HIV-relevant functional responses improving translational fidelity of in vitro platforms. Coordinated cross-functional evaluation of reproducibility, morphology, and functional performance across company and academic teams. Supported assay transfer characterization protocol standardization and technical documentation to enable consistent application of industry platforms.

Ph.D. Candidate - Neuroscience and NeuroHIV / May, 2021 — March, 2026

Investigated mechanisms by which addictive substances modulate HIV infection in the CNS using hIPSC-derived microglia macrophages and organoid models advancing understanding of NeuroHIV pathogenesis. Developed and characterized Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs) including hIPSC-derived microglia and organoid models with functional endpoints to evaluate pharmacologic and safety-relevant responses. Performed routine liquid handling maintenance and culture of hIPSC-derived and recombinant mammalian cells supporting assay reproducibility and medium-throughput workflows. Developed high-content imaging (96-well) and Python-based analysis pipelines that increased image analysis by 40% and enabled quantitative analysis of complex cell-virus interactions. Mentored and trained 5+ undergraduate and graduate researchers in cell culture and immunoassays accelerating project timelines and enhancing lab productivity. Assisted in managing a 500K annual research budget and supported grant proposal preparation contributing to multiple funded awards and securing 7K in competitive personal travel and research grants. Communicated findings at 15+ national and international conferences and published peer-reviewed papers.

Schizophrenia Research Assistant / May, 2020 — May, 2021

Investigated neural mechanisms underlying schizophrenia using primate models contributing to translational psychiatry research. Developed and implemented a Python-based program to analyze electrophysiological data across multiple brain regions streamlining data processing by 50%. Presented findings at 2 university-wide symposiums demonstrating ability to communicate complex psychiatric research to diverse scientific audiences.