Postdoctoral Researcher
Diak Lab, Queen’s University, 2025-Present
As a member of the Diak Lab, I have developed a robust platform for conducting computational modelling of aluminum alloy systems. Utilizing a custom-built pipeline, I conduct extensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations in QuantumEspresso to understand the impacts of rare-earth additives, including cerium, lanthanum, and ytterbium.
I have utilized this pipeline to study AlCe solid solutions, with the goal of modelling Ce diffusion kinetics within the aluminum matrix. From DFT calculations of defect-containing supercells, I have computed the effects of Ce on elastic moduli through elastic and shear deformation, electronic structure, and energetics (formation energies, defect-defect binding energies). I have modelled energy barriers for vacancy jumps according to the five frequency model through climbing image nudged elastic band calculations. Finally, I have utilized DFT outputs to conduct kinetic cluster expansion calculations in KineCluE, extracting diffusion kinetics through the determination of Onsager transport coefficients.
Despite no prior experience in this area, I have built a robust, high-throughput computational pipeline that has generated multiple publications (under review) within just 1 year, honing my computational expertise and positioning me at the forefront of multiple research disciplines.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Dawson Lab, University of Guelph, 2023-Present
My work in the Dawson Lab has involved spearheading interdisciplinary research to characterize disease-causing actin variants and determine the functional role of allosteric networks within actin. My research involves in silico methods, utilizing GROMACS, VMD, MODELLER, and Pymol to run molecular dynamics simulations (MD) for 18 actin variants and determine the structural mechanisms behind in vitro observations. To ensure high-throughput, I have worked to become proficient in Python, UNIX, and Tcl programming languages, which has allowed me to automate my molecular dynamics pipeline within just 4 months, despite no prior programming experience.
I am also responsible for managing day-to-day lab operations and overseeing a team of 8 students working on interdisciplinary research, helping to unite in vitro, in silico, and in vivo results.
I have had the chance to create and write an NSERC grant, participate in budget generation and auditing, hiring/training of students and employees. Overall, I have been given the opportunity to create and operate an independent research program within the Dawson Lab, setting me up for success in running my own research program as a principal investigator.
Assistant Manager
H&M, Vancouver, 2016-2017
In my time with H&M, I developed exceptional leadership skills by overseeing a team of 30 employees. As an Assistant Manager, I directed the operational and financial performance for the women’s and men’s department, combining for 75% of store sales in a high-volume location.
My day-to-day role involved KPI analyses, trend projection, reviewing operational procedures, and implementing new sales initiatives in addition to customer service, maintaining store cleanliness, and management of our diverse staff.
I oversaw hiring, training, and general supervising of staff, always working to maintain staff morale and encourage a welcoming environment.
Operations Analyst-Corporate Finance
Reliance Home Comfort, Toronto, 2012-2014
As the Operations Analyst in Corporate Finance, I regularly conducted ad hoc and KPI analyses to develop, monitor, and manage budgets for critical initiatives. I conducted monthly financial and variance analyses on operational divisions to identify financial issues and drive performance improvements by identifying trends in large data sets, becoming proficient with in-depth Microsoft Excel functions and macros in the process.
I served as a key point of contact within the organization for 15 branch managers to facilitate data reconciliation, address financial challenges, and allocate resources that would help them in their day-to-day operation of our different regional branches.