Employment & Education

A highly accomplished, passionate, and amiable biomedical R&D expert with an entrepreneurial mindset, and global experience in revolutionizing cancer care through the integration of nanotechnology, biotechnology, chemical engineering, and medical imaging. Respected collaborator and servant leader noted for consistently exceeding expectations through optimized efficiencies and big-picture thinking. Innovator and experienced program/product manager, effectively liaising between medical, engineering, scientific, and business sectors.

Spearheading the allocation and advancement of multimillion-dollar research funding, identified and developed FDA-compliant non-radioactive medical diagnoses through Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) diagnostic strategies and theranostic approaches. Transferred diagnostic protocols into commercialization and standardized therapy. In a multifaceted role, proactively focused on research and development of case products, research paper publishing, and submitting grant applications to ensure adequate program funding. 

• Secured $3M+ in California state grants and funds from the National Institute of Health’s R01s, SBIRs, and U01s.

• Advanced non-radioactive diagnosis, imaging, and treatment technologies for immune-related disorders in neuroinflammation, oncology, and infection.

• Developed the therapy concept and led the research and development of alternative treatments using a non-ionizing RF-focused field for magnetic hyperthermia-based cancer treatments.

• Developed multiple MPI applications including:

•  Non-invasive and non-radioactive GI bleed detection. (Link)

• Tobacco-related early lung cancer diagnosis. (Link)

• Cancer treatment with magnetic fluid hyperthermia. (Link)

• High-resolution nanoparticle tracers. (US Patent, 2022/8/18, 17629301)

• Novel immune cell imaging strategies for antibody-conjugated nanoparticle-based diagnosis and treatment. (Link)

• Achieved the commercialization stage of a groundbreaking solid tumor diagnostics process, improving the treatment effectiveness by expanding options beyond the current immunotherapy. (Link)

• Ensured adherence to strict regulatory demands through diligent management of IACUCs and IRBs.

• Mentored a diverse cross-functional team, including community college transfer students, empowering them to overcome fears and confidently contribute to the UC Berkley research projects. 

• Published 20+ peer-reviewed research articles in internationally most prominent scientific journals while reviewing over 100 original research articles.

Working on three imaging projects as the investigator and co-investigator in the Joint Council Office (JCO), developed multimodal imaging tracers for coarse diagnosis and fine surgical intervention, and imaging technologies/imaging biomarkers for cancer theranostics and molecular imaging. Utilized imaging technology for RECIST evaluation in oncology murine models. Mentored a total of 10 students with graduate, undergraduate, and exchange visitor status.

• Improved the safety of MRI tracer by effectively improving r1 relaxivity of the pharmaceutical-grade tracers for vascular and cancer imaging while decreasing the required dosage used for diagnosis.

• Innovated the utilization of high-sensitivity cameras to perform image-based diagnostics, establishing a new platform technology called Cerenkov luminescence imaging by repurposing existing technology.

• Developed an award-winning tumor physiology measuring technology by combining MRI and photoacoustic tomography imaging.

• Collaborated with the annual scientific advisory board and key opinion leaders on research and reviews to maintain the highest quality, and in-depth understanding of the latest trends and developments.

• Ensured the program’s continuity and funding by securing multiple grants.

• Published over 20 original scientific papers (Link)

• PhD in nanomedicine & nanotechnology from the department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE). 

• Thesis: Nanoparticle formulation of polymeric/organic/inorganic drug carrier system for cancer theranostics and magnetic resonance imaging.

• Coursework included: Core chemical engineering modules, analytical chemistry (ICP-MS / XPS/ XRD/ ESI-MS / FTIR / DSC / TGA / GPC/LC/MS), material/biochemical characterization and biochemical engineering.

• Tutoring: 2009-2010 (Chemical Separations Lab); 2007 - 2009 (Aspen Hysys chemical process engineering and simulation software)

• Undergraduate degree from St. Joseph's college of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai in Industrial Biotechnology.

• Honors Thesis: Optimization of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production in bioreactors using microalgae.

• Coursework included: Bioreactor design, upstream and downstream processing, biochemical engineering and biotechnology.

Certifications

• Project management professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) (Link)

• Google Project Management Certificate (Link)

• Regulatory Affairs Certificate: Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals (Dual) an Online program conducted by the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS) (Link)

• CITI Training Program Certificates:

  • Good Clinical Practice (US FDA Focus, Group 1: Clinical Trials - FDA Focus - Investigators and/or Team Members) (Link)

  • Working with the IACUC (Link)

  • Human Research (Data or Specimen Only Research) (Link)