Specialization:
PhD - 2016
Investigating the mechanism of action of conjugated oligoelectrolytes in extracellular electron transfer processes of bacteria and on bacterial membranes.
Bio:
I graduated with a BS in Materials Science and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Florida in 2011. For my first two years at UF, I worked in the lab of Professor Elliot Douglas, where I studied collagen fibrillogenesis under the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Science for Life Program. I then joined Professor Laurie Gower's research group, where I studied biomimetic collagen mineralization while participating in the University Scholars Program. From May 2008 to December 2008, I participated in a combined NSF REU/HHMI Extramural research internship at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris advised by Dr. Marie-Madeleine Giraud-Guille, where I studied dense collagen matrices. I also participated in a NSF REU program at Penn State University working in the lab of Professor Ralph Colby, where I studied ionic conductivity in plasticized ionomers
Research:
Conjugated oligoelectrolytes have been used in a variety of bioelectrochemical systems to improve performance. My research involves investigating potential mechanisms by which these molecules are able to improve charge transfer in bacteria that would result in this effect. I'm particularly interested in their ability to modify membrane properties, which have significant consequences for their applications in microbial systems.