Institute of NanoBioTechnology (2023 - Current)
Tunable Nanofiber-Hydrogel Composite for Regenerative Inflammation
As part of the Mao Lab at Johns Hopkins University, developed a tunable nanofiber-hydrogel composite (NHC) with adjustable stiffness by modulating cross-linker and hyaluronic acid (HA) densities. This project aimed to enhance regenerative effects following subcutaneous injection of the NHC. Through this work, I built proficiency in hydrogel formulation and material characterization techniques, including rheology and SEM. Advanced Healthcare Materials .
Injectable Macroporous Hydrogel for Enhanced Regeneration
Developed and tested a novel injectable macroporous hydrogel composite with microgels of varying degradation profiles to enhance matrix porosity and cell infiltration. Conducted in vivo studies using rat models to evaluate tissue response, performing subcutaneous injections, macrophage depletion, and immunostaining. Findings demonstrated improved host cell infiltration, 3D cellular network formation, and pro-regenerative angiogenesis, offering a promising approach for tissue engineering applications.
Nanofiber-Hydrogel for Radiation Dermatitis Prevention
Developed an innovative nanofiber-hydrogel composite (NHC) loaded with extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from adipose stem cells to address radiation-induced skin damage. Designed and conducted assays to evaluate EV release profiles and their regenerative effects. In vivo studies demonstrated the NHC-EVs effectively promoted cell infiltration, reduced fibrotic tissue formation, and supported the regeneration of fat and hair follicles. This work offers a novel, off-the-shelf approach to preventing radiation dermatitis and restoring skin functionality, with significant implications for cancer therapy.
Variably Crosslinked Hydrogels to Enhance Cell Infiltration
Currently leading a project to develop innovative hydrogels that combine high- and low-stiffness components to balance mechanical stability and cellular infiltration. By integrating hydrogels with varying cross-linking densities, this approach aims to create macroporous structures that promote cell infiltration while preserving the structural integrity of the matrix. Early results demonstrate improved cell infiltration and promising in vivo stability, suggesting the potential for these hydrogels to support comprehensive soft-tissue restoration and advance tissue engineering applications.
Locaze (2022 - Current)
Locaze: Eye Movement Tracking for Concussion Detection
Locaze is a mobile application developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medical Institute to detect concussions through advanced eye movement tracking. As CTO and a founding member, I have led the app’s development, combining neural networks and front-end design to create an innovative, user-friendly tool. With $7,500 in seed funding secured and IRB-approved testing set to begin in 2024, Locaze is poised to transform sports medicine by offering accessible and accurate concussion detection.
Columbia University (2024)
Blood-Joint Transwell Model for Diabetic Osteoarthritis Research
As a Summer Research Intern in Prof. Clark T. Hung's Cellular Engineering Lab, contributed to advancing regenerative strategies for load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage. My work involved developing a novel blood-joint transwell system combining human umbilical vein endothelial cells, fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and articular chondrocytes to model joint space interactions. I investigated the effects of euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions on cell viability, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, elucidating the impact of metabolic conditions on joint degeneration. These findings were presented in a poster at the Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting in October 2024.
Friedrich Miescher Institute (2022)
Cellular Heterogeneity and Organoid Growth Research
During my internship at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research in the lab of Prof. Prisca Liberali, I contributed to studies investigating cellular heterogeneity during collective cell behavior, focusing on intestinal organoid growth. My work involved optimizing multiplexed immunostaining protocols to enhance visualization of cellular morphology and subtypes critical for organogenesis. I also performed cloning and Cas9-Nickase gene editing for cell lineage tracking and collaborated on training neural networks and developing Python scripts to automate image analysis. These efforts provided valuable insights into stem cell roles and processes driving organoid formation.