At the University of Utah, I engineered phage variants and functional species hybrids to investigate host range, infection, and protein function. I also sequenced, assembled, annotated, and publicly deposited dozens of novel phage and plasmid genomes.
My PhD research at the University of Utah developed engineered phage platforms against biofilms and antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including an adaptively polyvalent phage against NDM-1+ Klebsiella pneumoniae. I also studied how engineered nanomaterials affect virus and bacteriophage persistence and infectivity.
At Waterworks Engineers, I applied microbial ecology to full-scale treatment systems, including pathogen destruction and control in biosolids treatment. I wrote test plans, operations manuals, and regulatory permit documents, and reviewed contractor submittals against written criteria.
Across my research and engineering work, I’ve handled infectious materials and been accountable for laboratory biosafety and containment. I’ve authored more than 43 peer-reviewed publications and trained researchers at every career stage.
