Research
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Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health
Research Scientist (PI status), May 2010-present
- To investigate how pulmonary endothelial barriers maintain junctional homeostasis.
- To test novel therapeutic targets in asthma therapy.
- To investigate how mechanical stretch regulates molecular, cell and tissue dynamics of airway smooth muscle.
Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health
Research Associate, December 2008-present
- To investigate how intercellular forces mediate integrity of endothelial cell (EC) monolayers isolated from the lungs, brain and blood vessels.
- To test how inflammatory, hypoxic and biomechanical stresses can modify EC intercellular forces to regulate (1) monolayer permeability and (2) neutrophil transendothelial migration.
- To investigate how mechanical stretch regulates (1) spatial orientation in endothelial cells; (2) contractile forces in airway and bladder smooth muscle cells; (3) phenotype and host defense function in alveolar macrophages.
- Co-taught an undergraduate core course titled “Human Organism” (Spring 2009).
Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health
Research Fellow, June 2006-December 2008
- Elucidated physical mechanisms that underlie contraction, deformation and remodeling in human airway smooth muscle cells.
- Co-taught an undergraduate core course titled “Human Organism” (Spring 2007).
- Led several lectures in a graduate level course titled “Occupational Biomechanics” (Spring 2007).
Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety and Harvard School of Public Health
Research Fellow, June 2005-June 2006
- Determined physical and psychosocial risk factors in the workplace.
- Investigated cellular mechanisms underlying repetitive strain injury.
Exponent Inc., Philadelphia, PA
Biomechanics Consultant, August 2004-June 2005
- Assisted in expert witness testimony in the characterization of traumatic injuries in motor vehicle and occupational accidents.
- Performed engineering analysis to evaluate medical device and consumer product failures.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University
Graduate student, June 1999-May 2004
- Performed experimental and theoretical analysis to quantify the frictional response of articular cartilage.
- Investigated the effects of depth dependent inhomogeneity in cartilage function.
- Evaluated performance of a novel glenoid design by quantifying gleno-humeral joint mechanics and shoulder reaction forces following total shoulder arthroplasty.
- Assisted in Instrumentation Laboratory (Fall 1999) and Computer Graphics and Design (Spring 2000).
