Bio
The primary goal of my research is to discover imaging and therapeutic solutions to human diseases. I apply chemistry, radiology, and nanotechnology techniques (for example, organic synthesis, radiochemistry, and bioconjugation with metal and non-metal nanoparticles) to image innate and adaptive immune cells in the brain in the context of neurodegenerative diseases (Stanford), bacterial infections (UCSF), treat human glioma (UCSF), and image disease biomarkers (Utah). My research in the chemistry-nanoscience-glycobiology interface has produced several impactful peer-reviewed publications: 1) a nanosensor that diagnoses life-threatening contaminants in pharmaceutical-grade heparin, an anticoagulant used extensively during surgery, 2) heparan sulfate code readers, 3) sugar PET tracers to image bacterial metabolism. I am currently working towards the development of new neuro-PET tracers at Stanford Medical School. In the future, I seek to combine my organic chemistry, radiosynthesis, and cell biology skills to build an independent research program to develop theranostic solutions (diagnosis and therapeutic) to human diseases.
Specialties: Organic synthesis, Radiochemistry (18F, 11C, 89Zr, 64Cu), material chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, biochemistry, imaging, neuroimmunology, oncology
Current Role at Stanford
Senior Research Scientist: a) cold chemical synthesis— Synthesis of the 12C and 19F- HPLC standards and precursors for 11C- and 18F- labeling
b) Radiosynthesis— Introduction of 11C or 18F radioisotopes into small molecules to develop novel PET tracers, that can track activated myeloid cells in neurodegenerative disease, c) radiometal labeling— 64Cu and 89Zr labeling of monoclonal antibodies that target immune receptors, d) clinical translation— To follow FDA guidelines for translating preclinically validated tracers into humans in the cyclotron and radiochemistry facility (CRF) of the Stanford University
