Postdoctoral Fellow / May, 2025 — Present

Built a bioprinting platform for spatially resolved ATP sensing in organoid culture microenvironments. Engineered a custom extrusion bioprinter using Festo actuation and Python control to deposit cell structures and ATP solutions with 10 μm precision for controlled spatial perturbation experiments. Established quantitative workflows including calibration curves, controls, imaging, and analysis to map spatiotemporal ATP profiles in 3D printed structures, linking geometry, diffusion/release, and measured signal. Led suborbital flight payload development of microbes in microgels for space biomanufacturing. Developed protocols to inoculate and encapsulate bacteria in microgels, initially with E. coli and with planned expansion to Vibrio fischeri and other hosts. Executed freeze-thaw viability studies and designed vacuum/low-temperature exposure experiments with controls, recovery steps, and post-exposure viability and gene expression readouts.

Graduate Research Assistant / April, 2019 — May, 2025

Engineered shape-programmable collagen-microgel biomaterials resisting compaction for vascularized bioprinted tissues; bioprinted tubular constructs; quantified mechanics/remodeling by rheology/microscopy; tuned low-ECM formulations for print fidelity, robustness, and cell compatibility; leveraged fibroblast contractility to laminate tissues. Developed and patented (PCT/US2022/077536) bioprinted liver tissues integrating iPSC-derived/primary hepatocytes plus endothelial, fibroblast, and Kupffer cells; optimized workflows for albumin/urea, metabolite-responsive CYP activity, ADME expression, drug-screening/PK scalability, dose-response analysis. Led tumor-immune cocultures, epithelial mechanics, micromasonry, patented silicone AM (PCT/US2024/035383), spinal-cord injury testbeds, PILP-mineralized collagen-microgel biocomposites, and PEG microgels for mRNA vaccine delivery; managed confocal/multiphoton microscopes, rheometers, bioprinters; trained researchers; maintained BSL-2 compliance.

Research Associate / November, 2017 — July, 2018

• Designed, manufactured, and patented (PCT/SG2021/050096) high-payload soft robotic grippers ◦ integrated with industrial robotic arms (KUKA IIWA 14, Universal Robot UR10e) ◦ validated pick and place and manipulation of gearbox components and consumer products ◦ developed novel repeatable fabrication/testing workflows for vacuum-actuated soft robotic systems ◦ enhancing safety, payload handling, and adaptability in precision manufacturing applications

Senior Research Engineer / August, 2011 — July, 2018

Developed octopus- and stingray-inspired robots and seal-whisker- and blind cave fish-inspired flow sensors. Led design and fabrication of novel propulsion systems and integrated bio-inspired sensors and actuators. Validated performance through hydrodynamic measurements (PIV) and field trials, improving underwater maneuverability and sensing. Directed high-fidelity prototyping and test platforms for marine robotics research by commissioning and managing 3D printers, a PIV towing tank, and a high-precision gantry. Coordinated sea trials of autonomous surface vehicles with bio-inspired sensors and mentored interdisciplinary teams on design, integration, and field deployment. Served as Co-PI on a saucer-shaped multi-domain drone capable of water-air transition; secured SG$48,000 grant and led concept design, prototype fabrication, and field testing for rapid oceanographic sampling and profiling.