I am working on peptide engineering.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) have the advantage of targeting tumor cells and directly delivering payloads (drugs) into them. However, we often confront the challenges of the uneven distribution of ADC and less efficient penetration. Analyzing the transport properties of ADC as well as understanding its interaction with the immune system is significant for improving the drug efficacy. I am working on the characterization of antibody-drug conjugates for enhanced distribution in the cancer cells and immune responses.

Using agent-based modeling, I will be studying the relationship between antibody drug conjugates and immune cells for cancer therapies. This model will be able to predict the impact of ADC drug distribution in tumors and capture improved responses with increased tissue penetration.

Co-advised by Prof. Jennifer Linderman

A number of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have been approved by the FDA and more are in early clinical trials and preclinical development. An important aspect about ADCs is their ability to combine the potency of small molecules and the targeting of antibodies. I am studying the characteristics of ADCs and the factors within the tumor microenvironment that affect and influence their efficacy as anti-cancer agents.

I am working on protein engineering and antibody drug conjugates.

Co-advised by Prof. Peter Tessier

I am working on the protease-activated T-Cell Engager that cross-link tumor cells with T-Cells via a bispecific protein therapeutic. A working system pharmacology model will be developed to capture the systemic distribution of it and to validate uptake and distribution in a mouse xenograft model.

I am working on designing immunomodulatory antibody therapies, including T-cell agonists, T-cell engagers, and immunocytokines. These molecules have shown promise for treating a number of diseases, including cancer and autoimmunity.

Co-advised by Prof. Peter Tessier

Exploration of Krogh cylinder model refinement with payload recycling.

The recent successes of ADCs in the clinic have underscored the importance of tailoring ADC drug properties for specific targets. However, the complexity of these molecules poses a challenge in thoroughly screening all potential combinations of protein, linker, and payload during development. My work focuses on applying fundamental drug transport principles to efficiently design ADCs for maximum efficacy at clinically tolerated doses.

Modeling drug uptake and distribution across the BBB (Blood-Brain Barrier) to enable the testing of hypotheses for applications such as treating neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s and MS) and cancer. 

Co-advised by Prof. Peter Tessier

I will be working on developing specialized ADCs with Fc-engineered domain to maximize immune response and drive lasting tumor remission.