Work

Work Experience

January 2026 to Present Neural interfaces and regenerative systems

University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Neurosurgery

Researcher II

  • Engineered 3D-printed neural scaffolds and conductive adhesive flexible electronics, optimizing flexibility and tissue adhesion for biological interfaces.
  • Designed and verified electromechanical systems, including a NeuroNexus-based setup for EEG detection and electrical stimulation supporting implantable neurostimulator development.
  • Conducted rodent laminectomy trials to collect and analyze neuromodulation data validating neural pathway restoration and tissue-sensor interfaces.
  • Led development of pulse and regional oximetry devices for vascular flow detection in spinal and cerebral regions.
  • Performed equipment qualification and test method validation using MATLAB and Python for tissue-based sensing and biological data analysis.
  • Managed wet-lab operations while translating research into grant proposals and academic publications.
  • Pioneered 3D bioprinting workflows using machine learning correction methods to improve stem cell extrusion precision by more than 62 percent.
  • Directed end-to-end product development of an implantable spinal window imaging device, including CAD, prototyping, and materials decisions.
  • Completed risk analysis and ANSYS structural evaluations to prevent post-implantation buckling under physiological loads.
January 2025 to Present Startup product development

SwiftZip LLC

Research and Development Engineer / Co-Founder

  • Spearhead full-lifecycle R&D for a novel surgical suture alternative from concept exploration to design transfer and manufacturing implementation.
  • Execute design verification and test method validation by writing protocols, running tests, analyzing data, and producing formal verification reports.
  • Develop and maintain risk files and design-control documentation in compliance with ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and FDA 21 CFR Part 820.
  • Collaborate with surgeons and cross-functional teams to evaluate concepts through cadaveric testing and guide clinically informed design revisions.
May 2024 to August 2024 Clinical research and quality

Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN

Research and Quality Intern

  • Coordinated and conducted clinical studies investigating variability in drug effectiveness using statistical analysis to identify drivers of patient outcomes.
  • Redesigned clinical trial consent protocols with visual aids in Unity, improving candidate engagement and simplifying complex information.
  • Streamlined clinical workflows and investigated documentation gaps through process mapping to support ethical compliance and reliable reporting.
January 2024 to May 2024 Teaching and mentorship

Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Minnesota

Teaching Assistant — ME 3281: System Dynamics and Controls

  • Developed structured learning materials to reinforce lecture content and support deeper student comprehension.
  • Organized discussions to help students understand course material and complete assigned tasks.
  • Graded assignments and examinations, offering detailed feedback to guide student improvement.
January 2024 to May 2024 Teaching and mentorship

Computer Science and Engineering Department, University of Minnesota

Teaching Assistant — CSCI 1113: Introduction to C/C++ for Scientists and Engineers

  • Organized lab sections to help students develop practical programming skills grounded in classroom content.
  • Led tutoring sessions to reinforce learning and connect students to support resources.
  • Graded assignments and examinations with detailed feedback to maximize student growth.
January 2023 to December 2023 Structural heart R&D

Abbott Laboratories, Structural Heart, St. Paul, MN

Research and Development Engineer Co-op

  • Managed post-market complaint investigations and issue escalations for the Trifecta GT valve, identifying root causes through failure analysis.
  • Executed design assurance testing and design verification for the Epic MAX valve, coordinating technicians around performance and reliability requirements.
  • Maintained and updated product risk files, including FMEA inputs, complaint statistics, and change-order collaboration.
  • Developed reliability studies using Minitab and design of experiments to analyze product and process variables.
  • Re-engineered electromechanical components to reduce production operator time by 18 percent and improve statistical process control.
  • Guided technicians and interns through new test method validations, accelerating development timelines by 45 percent.
June 2022 to July 2022 Innovation and IP strategy

Earl Bakken Medical Device Center, University of Minnesota

Project Engineering Intern

  • Innovated and implemented a new medical device with peers and a practicing surgeon, improving ICU equipment maneuverability in emergency settings.
  • Collaborated with medical and legal professionals to optimize prototyping and perform SWOT analyses and IP landscape work for patent evaluation.
May 2021 to August 2021 Structural engineering

Superfit Steelcon Ltd., Nairobi, Kenya

Structural Engineer Intern

  • Organized engineering drawings of steel structure assemblies from AutoCAD and Tekla Structures prior to fabrication.
  • Designed workflow processes to fabricate steel beams efficiently and allocate resources to meet project deadlines.
  • Met with clients, engineers, and subcontractors to draft contracts and inter-party agreements.