My experience with assay development started with my time working for the AllerAce Team in my Biomedical Engineering Senior Year Design Class at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. Our team chose to pursue the problem of quickly detecting anaphylaxis—severe allergic reaction that often leads to people losing consciousness. During our year-long endeavor and a budget of $3000, we developed an automated histamine detection test that could detect histamine in saliva 8-times faster and at a 100 times lower concentration than the current gold standard on the market at the time. We named our physical device the AllerAce 5000.
We developed an automated histamine detection test that could detect histamine in saliva 8-times faster and at a 100 times lower concentration than the current gold standard on the market
The level of utility that a small, driven, and highly skilled Biomedical Engineering Team can create caused me to pursue diagnostics further. I joined an early-stage cancer company as its fourth employee to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages. During our long hours over two years, we developed the best ovarian cancer test on the market. We then pursued early-stage lung cancer detection.
I enjoy running anywhere from 3-13 miles. Long-distance running helps to preserve my critical thinking capabilities and maintain a focused and driven mind. At one point, I ran a 4 minute and 40 second mile during an official track meet. Sports really helps me to have an enjoyable outlet for healthy, constructive competition.
