christine pedersen

Built an adjuvant process development lab from zero as a sole contributor, including equipment, analytical methods, and manufacturing. Scaled the adjuvant process 500x and led a $200K capital program for a 50 L vessel steam jacket buildout.

Developed an in-house production process for aluminum phosphate adjuvant used in VAX-31 and VAX-A1, focusing on controlling particle characteristics and stability. Designed and scaled up the process from 100 mL to 50 L, incorporating sterility and homogenization steps.

Analyzed LNP formulations in multiple carcinoma cell lines with varying plasma incubations to investigate differential effects of ApoE. Collaborated with CROs and implemented new LNP large scale and high-throughput instruments for process development.

Developed various lipid nanoparticle formulations to enhance tumor expression in murine studies and minimize background signal. Conducted cell-based nuclear delivery assays and utilized flow cytometry to identify optimal formulations.

Developed freeze-thaw methods with cryoprotectants for lipid nanoparticle formulations to ensure long-term stability. Designed, synthesized, formulated, and tested over 20 novel delivery agents in-house, and standardized clinical trial protocols.

Developed controlled release polymeric nanoparticle delivery systems for single dose plasmid DNA vaccines. Enhanced endosomal release and increased vaccine encapsulation efficiency up to over 90%.

Instructed physics I and II laboratories on classical mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Guided experiments, mentored students, and graded assignments.

Engineered a universal optical waveguide-based biosensor for rapid biological detection. Enhanced self-assembled monolayer deposition and created air-stable lipid membranes for biosensor applications.

Grade: 4.0

Master of Science in Materials Science with a 4.0 GPA, focusing on applied physics and materials science.

Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from the School of Engineering.