Education
BS, Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), 2017
PhD Candidate, Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 2017-present
Research Interests
Gene therapy, cell and genetic engineering, viral vector manufacturing
Research Summary
The recent approval of the first gene therapy in the US in 2017 has catalyzed an effort to bring this powerful class of medicine to more patients with unmet medical needs. My research focuses on expanding the potential of gene therapies using innovative ways to manufacture viral vectors for gene therapy as well as new applications for the expression of therapeutic genes. One major barrier to developing a successful gene therapy is commercial-scale virus production that can treat a large number of patients. Given this, we are working to increase yield of viral vector manufacturing which will greatly improve the titer of virus harvested per batch. Additionally, we are developing methods to improve transduction efficiency for in vivo gene delivery via multiple routes of administration. This would enable a reduction in the amount of virus needed per patient in order to reach a therapeutic effect. Finally, we are developing novel genetic constructs that have unique controlled mechanisms of expression using synthetic biology.
Representative Graduate Courses Taken
Molecular and Cell Engineering
Endocrinology
Drug Delivery