MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Ph.D., Molecular Medicine (Stem Cell Sciences)
Scientist II
Professional Summary & Career Objective
Over the past nineteen years, I have developed a robust foundation in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based therapies. My expertise spans stem cell biology, cell fate engineering, complex tissue models, hiPSC-based disease modeling, and cellular therapy development. A central focus of my career has been cell fate engineering and its modulation using diverse cutting-edge tools, including 3D organoids, complex cellular model systems, and statistical designs. Building on these achievements, I aim to establish myself as a leader at the intersection of “Synthetic biology”, “AI-driven predictive models”, and “Medicine”. My vision is to create a cell+gene platform to advance next-generation treatments for addressing complex diseases.
Developing a “hybrid gene therapy platform” for precision-targeted modulation of inflammation and fibrosis in highly heterogeneous, mutation-driven diseases—conditions where a one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach is not suitable for large-scale treatment.
Leading multi-institutional collaborative research projects aimed at improving genetic variant interpretation and developing precision medicine strategies.
Training the next generation of medical geneticists through residency supervision, graduate student mentorship, and curriculum development.
Active member of national and international genetics organizations, contributing to clinical guidelines and policy development.
Education
Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Biomedical Engineering Tissue engineering, Disease modeling, Biomarker discovery Multi-modal single-cell RNA sequencing
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Combinatorial screening design (DoE), Organoids in a dish, Metabolomics, Cardiomyopathies
Bioprocess engineering, Manufacturing of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in bioreactors
Ph.D., Molecular Medicine (Stem Cell Sciences)
Cellular reprogramming (mRNA-based)
Cellular rejuvenation (aging signature)
Grade of Thesis: Summa Cum Laude (highest score)
M.Sc., Biology (Animal Sciences)
Scaffold-based culture system (alginate)
Grade of Thesis: 20 out of 20
B.Sc., General Biology
Academic & Professional Appointments
Scientist II (ECR), Department of Biological Engineering
Quantitative systems biology
Designing synthetic genetic circuits as disease-modifying therapies
Decoding progressive cardiac fibrosis using synthetic promoters, miRNA-based cell classifiers, and
programmable miRNA circuits
Hybrid gene therapy platform: miRNA biosensors, and programmable genetic circuits to tackle heart disease
and inflammation (therapeutic intervention)
Mathematical and simulation modeling of miRNA biogenesis: a translational synthetic biology approach to
addressing disease
Scientist, Department of Medicine
Multi-plexing transcription factors (TFs) perturb-seq (in silico)
High-throughput genetic perturbation screening in disease-iPSC-derived cardiac organoids
Mutant gene regulatory networks (GRNs)
Fine-tuning the inhibition of immune-suppressive cytokines regulated by mutant regulons
Exchange Scientist (joint with Fraunhofer Institute IZI)
mRNA-based reprogramming of urine-derived cells to hiPSCs
Chief Research Scientist (key contributor to establishing a stem cell research lab)
Cellular reprogramming, trans-differentiation
Selected Research Grants & Funding (In CAD)
Technology Transfer, Innovation & Development
US PCT Patent (Inventor).
Publication number: WO/2019/075557
Application number: US 62/572,888
International application number: PCT/CA2018/051301
EP2192174B1, US20110236978 A1.
Enhanced transfection efficiency of human pluripotent stem cells through the effects of retinoic acidanalogue (TTNPB), Rho-associated kinase inhibitor (Y-27632) and PPARγ agonist (Pioglitazone).*The technology is widely applicable for precise genome engineering and CRISPR editing in hPSCs.
Reprogramming cells toward a pluripotent state.
R&D collaboration with Evercyte GmbH Company (Proof of concept & technology transfer).
Technology Transfer, Innovation & Development
US PCT Patent (Inventor).
Publication number: WO/2019/075557
Application number: US 62/572,888
International application number: PCT/CA2018/051301
Enhanced transfection efficiency of human pluripotent stem cells through the effects of retinoic acidanalogue (TTNPB), Rho-associated kinase inhibitor (Y-27632) and PPARγ agonist (Pioglitazone).*The technology is widely applicable for precise genome engineering and CRISPR editing in hPSCs.
EP2192174B1, US20110236978 A1.
Reprogramming cells toward a pluripotent state.
R&D collaboration with Evercyte GmbH Company (Proof of concept & technology transfer).
Interests
Synthetic biology to control cell-fate and functions
Inferring gene regulatory network to synthetically control disease progression
Lineage tracing and DNA barcoding
Single-cell RNA-seq in translational research and therapeutic development
Stem cell biology
Cell-fate engineering, cell systems, and systems biology
Precision medicine & disease modeling using iPSCs and 3D organoids
Engineered cell therapy
Regenerative and cellular model technology
Bioreactor systems
Biomedical engineering
Innovation at the intersection of synthetic biology and bioprocess engineering
Automation (liquid handling robotics)
Intellectual Property and Innovation
Bridge “Biology”, “AI” and “Medicine” to solve complex problems
Management and Leadership, Passionate about Science
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