I am a multifaceted scientist with a comprehensive background in chemistry, microbiology, virology, genetics, and data science, all seamlessly integrated towards innovating in drug discovery and machine learning technologies. Holding a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, I currently leverage my analytical skills in the research and development of an FDA-approved influenza vaccine at CSL Seqirus. In this role, I adeptly balance hands-on genetic experimentation in the wet lab with leading-edge bioinformatic research, undertaking complex foundational RNA-Seq work. My expertise in data science is highlighted by a profound proficiency in Python and R, tools I utilize to dissect and interpret diverse data streams. This technical prowess is augmented by a deep and evolving knowledge of SQL, essential for navigating intricate data structures. My professional curiosity also encompasses the cutting-edge domain of multi-cloud environments, where I excel in deploying and scaling machine learning models, ensuring they provide critical insights across various platforms.
At CSL Seqirus, I was selected for my ability to innovate beyond traditional boundaries, serving as a key contributor in the virology development team. My dual role orchestrates a diverse array of tasks, from pioneering genetic manipulations in the wet lab, creating genetically modified influenza strains, to spearheading bioinformatic strategies. This includes the construction of detailed DNA and RNA cell atlases from scratch, utilizing RNA-Seq to augment the efficiency of influenza virus production in animal cell lines.
My journey with Agile Sciences was defined by leading drug screening and discovery initiatives. I developed a cutting-edge high-throughput drug screening library, identifying candidates that challenge biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. My role as a foundational intellectual asset for the company's IP was solidified by my extensive subject matter expertise.
Mentored by Dr. Christian Melander, I refined my skills in organic synthesis, delving into targeted drug screening and high-throughput applications. My capabilities expanded to include ADME and pilot toxicity screening, as well as the design and oversight of drug pipelines. This extensive training also involved creating and evaluating animal models for drug candidate testing.
During my undergraduate studies, I conducted pivotal research with Dr. Beverly Koller, focusing on the development of genetically modified murine models. My early exposure to large-scale PCR was crucial in managing a substantial mouse colony. My contributions were instrumental in breakthroughs understanding mouse immune responses and modeling genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Familial Mediterranean Fever, forming the foundation for my scientific career.
I led a project targeting bringatrailer.com, where I skillfully built a comprehensive database of 5,000 completed auctions. This dataset underwent meticulous cleaning and analysis using Python libraries, enhancing data visualization. The insights were shared in a Kaggle notebook, fostering public engagement and collaboration.
In response to complex automobile inquiries, I developed a chatbot equipped with retrieval-augmented generation. This tool enhances responses with data from Wikipedia and other reliable sources, empowering users to research cars confidently and informatively.
Focusing on the influenza genome, my proprietary projects deepen understanding and predictive capabilities. One tool, based on a protein-BERT model fine-tuned with in-house influenza protein sequences, offers predictive insights into strain yields. Additionally, I have designed Python pipelines for in-depth analysis and visualization of the genetic flux within the influenza genome, significantly advancing our understanding of viral behavior and vaccine development.