R&D Scientist II - Algae Research and Supply
(2024-03 - 2026-03)
- Developed and optimized modular photobioreactors for biomass production with real-time environmental monitoring.
- Created protocols for nutrient profiling, metabolite extraction, and batch production.
- Advised partner organizations on algae system design and operational best practices.
- Designed, constructed, and operated a pilot-scale(~5000L) "off-grid"(in that we needed to set up our own power and communications systems, thankfully we had a well) Spirulina production facility in the mountains of San Diego.
- Grant writing and fulfillment for a microalgae bioprospecting kit.
- Designed and constructed optimized photobioreactor systems and growth protocols for enhanced biomass and secondary metabolite production in a variety of photosynthetic organisms.
- Designed and constructed a series of modular pilot scale high rate algae growth ponds, each enclosed in their own greenhouse with individual environmental and nutrient monitoring and control systems.
- Successfully isolated various species of interest from the wild(ie. New isolates of Chlamydomonas, Haematococcus, Asparagopsis, etc).
- Created new protocols for secondary metabolite characterization, quantification, and purity assessment, based on a synthesis of available scientific literature.
- Manufactured sealed/waterproof electrical systems, fully potting them with combinations of resins and industrial glues.
Research Scientist I - Microbio Engineering and California Polytechnic University SLO
(2022-01 - 2024-02)
- Led a $250K+ funded project on tertiary wastewater treatment using algal systems.
- Designed and operated a 1200L pilot reactor tuned for phosphorus sequestration.
- Onboarded and managed field/lab teams of 10–15 students per term.
- Authoring SOPs, reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
- Led a grant-funded project to develop a pilot-scale nutrient capture system using microalgae for tertiary wastewater treatment, leveraging environmental triggers to regulate metabolic processes and promote rapid phosphorus sequestration and storage.
- Managed a revolving team of undergraduate and masters students for environmental field sampling, pilot plant operations, and laboratory analysis.
- Designing and executing experiments, creation of IP.
- Led a $250K+ funded project on tertiary wastewater treatment using algal systems that was renewed over multiple grant cycles.
- Designed and operated a 1200L pilot reactor tuned for phosphorus sequestration, that was able to sequester virtually 99.9% of the available dissolved phosphorus from the tertiary wastewater(~15 mg/L -> less than .01 mg/L) into a biologically useful form(easily harvestable filamentous biomass that could be used as a slow-release fertilizer, outcompeting "manufactured" fertilizers in multiple metrics).
- Onboarded and managed teams of 10–15 students per term, training each of them in the necessary field and labwork protocols.
- Authoring SOPs, reports, presentations, and manuscripts for internal and external use.
- Designed and manufactured completely custom filter implements using CAD programs/3d-printing finely tuned for the specific physical shape and characteristics of a particular organism we wanted to harvest.
R&D Associate - Algae Research and Supply
(2021-09 - 2021-12)
- Re-isolated and maintained an axenic algal strain library, ensuring uncontaminated cultures to support experimental reliability and precision.
- Designed algal products(both products to grow algae as well as products made from algae) and performed light electrical and CAD work.
Research Technician - California Center for Algae Biotechnology (Cal-CAB)
(2019-06 - 2021-09)
- Contributed to algae-based biotech and aquaculture R&D in collaboration with industrial and academic teams.
- Focused on extremophile strain isolation and characterization (e.g., for CO₂ capture or hypersaline growth).
- Supported transgenic protein production and pigment extraction for commercial partners.
- Isolated multiple new strains of microalgae that have gone on to show promise for various uses through the research of various other colleagues(see publications).
- Conducted experiments, analyzed results, and created manuscripts.
- Constructed and operated large-scale algal culturing systems.
- Optimized culture conditions for different algal strains.
- Conducted field sampling and isolated novel strains.
- Collaborated with researchers and industries in various fields.
Laboratory Assistant - Crinetics - San Diego, CA
(2016-05 - 2017-07)
- Molecular biology benchwork (Transformation, PCR, etc.)
- Protein production and purification
- Management of consumable inventory; ordering supplies
Laboratory Intern - Neuralstem, Inc. - San Diego, CA
(2015-08 - 2016-03)
- Preparation of stock solutions
- Dissection, antibody staining, and slide preparation of various tissues
- Data entry and tissue sample library organization
- Sterile washing of lab equipment, consumable inventory management
General Laborer - WebbShade - San Diego, CA
(2015-06 - 2015-07)
- Part fabrication using various materials, tools, and heavy machinery
- Final product assembly and inspection, packing and shipping
