Experience

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  Northstar trekking

  Jun 2007 - Sept 2008

  Dock rep./logistics/dispatcher roles

  As a dock representative, I was responsible for: meeting clients at designated locations, collecting the client's tickets and sizing information, escorting the clients to our company vans, relaying client information back to base, and settling accounts for clients booked through cruise lines. This position required time management, organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work independently in varied weather conditions.Logistics duties included handling all calls coming into the office, booking clients for tours, writing and distributing transportation schedules, handling gift shop purchases, and collecting payment from clients on independent tours. This role demanded good record keeping, marketing, and customer service skills.My responsibilities as a dispatcher for NorthStar Trekking included: drawing up daily flight boards, assigning clients and guides to helicopters for each tour, calculating the fuel allowance for each of the helicopters, altering the flight board when necessary, and maintaining constant communication with all helicopters and guides. This position demanded apt problem-solving and multitasking skills, as well as the ability to remain level-headed during time-critical and stressful situations. Show less

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  University of washington

  Jun 2009 - Jun 2010

  As an undergraduate research assistant in the Multiphase Lab in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Washington I was responsible for the design, construction, and testing of various pieces of lab equipment; such as air and water pressure manifolds and their support system, the wind tunnel air and water system control panel, the optical table support system, and a traverse camera mount. I was also tasked with investigating and solving any problems that were hindering research; such as leaks, clogged tubes, an uneven spray pattern in the lab’s wind tunnel, etc. Furthermore, I was often asked to run various simulations and tests for other researchers. While I generally performed these duties on my own, some of my projects involved collaborating with one or more of the graduate students doing research in the lab. Show less

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant - Randal Ching

    Sept 2009 - Jun 2010

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant - Alberto Aliseda

    Jun 2009 - Dec 2009
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  University of washington

  Aug 2010 - Aug 2015

  Nsf graduate research fellow - nathan sniadecki

  My research within the Cell Biomechanics Lab (CBL) at the University of Washington was principally focused on the design and development of microfabricated tools, in order to measure the mechanical properties of living cells. For my dissertation, I used microscale silicone beams to measure the contractile properties of human stem cell derived cardiomyocytes, as well as developed silicone-gel culture surfaces that mimic the natural growth environment of the heart. The goal of this work was to use these tools to assess and enhance the contractile and structural maturation of these cells to improve their use as developmental, drug screening, and regenerative models.Outcomes:● Dissertation research produced collaborative partnerships with 3 other labs, resulting in 10 publications, 2 book chapters, 10 conference proceedings, and 6 invited talks. ● Acted as a primary contributor to 3 successful grant applications, totaling $530k in funding. ● Gained ample experience in educational and technical training by mentoring 12 students and serving as a teaching assistant/lecturer for an undergraduate level mechanical engineering course. Show less

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  Universitätsklinikum hamburg eppendorf

  Sept 2015 - Sept 2017

  Whitaker postdoctoral research scholar - thomas eschenhagen

  During my postdoc, I designed and built a novel system that is capable of applying discrete amounts of environmental load to three-dimensional engineered heart tissues (EHTs). The motivation for this project was to determine loading schemes that promote the maturation of human stem cell derived EHTs, as these matured tissues will serve as a more appropriate model of adult human cardiac tissue for regenerative, disease modeling, and drug screening applications.Outcomes:● 1 publication and 2 conference proceedings.● Gained international research experience. Show less

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  The university of british columbia

  Sept 2018 - Sept 2021

  Research fellow - konrad walus

  In my role as a Research Fellow at UBC, I developed a 3D-bioprinted cardiac tissue model for toxicity screening applications. The cardiac tissues were produced using human stem cell derived cardiomyocytes and a microfluidic bioprinter. Successful completion of this work required the development of suitable bioinks, printing protocols, and post-printing culture conditions in order to create functional, healthy, aligned, and contractile cardiac tissues.

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  Aspect biosystems

  Feb 2021 - Jan 2023

  Research engineer

  As a Research Engineer at Aspect Biosystems, I led a project to examine methods for improving the vascularization of 3D bioprinted tissues. I also supported clinical, engineering, and manufacturing teams with process and quality improvement, risk management, and user testing.

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  Bc children's hospital, vancouver

  May 2023 - now

  Leader, rehabilitation technology services

  The Rehabilitation Technology department at BC Children's Hospital is responsible for the design, fabrication, provision, and servicing of custom positioning and mobility equipment to children in wheelchairs. As the leader of this team, I ensure that our engineering and technician team have the proper resources and training needed to carry out this important work.