Janice Watson-Dias, PhD

**** ** **** *****

Lauderhill, FL 33319

Phone: 954-***-****

Email: acp9e2@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE

Dissertation research focus consisted of the development of custom atomic force microscopy systems

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and techniques to characterize the corneal tissue and quantify the efficacy of promising treatment

methods for keratoconus, the corneal condition that leads to astigmatism

5 year experience in laboratory management, collaborative team work, experimental protocol design,

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analytical problem-solving, quantitative model development and implementation, and writing award-

winning research grant proposals and published journal manuscripts

5 year experience in designing and performing experiments, generating experimental protocols, and

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documenting the final results of experiments

Experience in disseminating scientific findings through poster and oral presentations at scientific

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conferences

Willing to relocate as well as complete travel-intensive duties

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SKILLS

TECHNICAL

• Laboratory: Project management, Scientific review, Experimental protocol development, Ethical and

sound scientific testing and data analysis practices, Scanning Electron Microscopy, commercial

Atomic Force Microscopy, proper tissue handling skills, tissue biomechanics, image characterization

• Computer: Proficient using Microsoft Office, MATLAB, Origin, Canvas; Familiar with SolidWorks,

Image J, Adobe Photoshop, C++, COMSOL Multiphysics, IgorPro

BUSINESS

• Effective written and oral communication skills, Laboratory management, Resource procurement,

Mentoring, Training, Grant writing, Journal publication writing

EDUCATION

December 2014 – August 2009 Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering

University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Thesis: “Characterization of Corneal Biomechanics using Customized Atomic Force Microscopy

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Techniques”- Developing novel techniques to characterize the human cornea using atomic force

microscopy and quantify efficacy of treatment methods developed for corneal-related diseases

May 2009 – August 2005 Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Magna Cum Laude

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Honors: President’s List, Dean’s List, Provost’s List

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Senior Design Project: Developed a biomaterial that would function as an artificial lens capsule

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constituent for a lens-replacing surgical procedure called Phaco-Ersatz

AWARDS

2015 Awarded Outstanding PhD Research Award within the Dept. of Biomedical Engineering

2013 – 2014 Awarded Outstanding Research Assistant at Inaugural University of Miami Graduate School

Banquet

2011 – 2016 NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA) for Individual Predoctoral

Fellowships to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research

2012 – 2014 UNCF/MERCK Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowship

2009 – 2011 NIH-Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity Fellowship

J. Watson-Dias 2

2010 NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention

Florida-Georgia Alliance for Minority Participation Conference Engineering Poster Session, 1st

2009

Place

2008 NIH-Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity Scholar

2005 – 2008 University of Miami Ronald Hammond Scholar

Florida-Georgia Alliance for Minority Participation Scholar

Florida Academic Scholar

RELEVANT RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Miami - Coral Gables, FL

Biomedical Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Laboratory, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering

Supervisor: Noel Ziebarth, Ph. D.

December 2014 - August 2009

Development of Custom Atomic Force Microscopy Systems for Biomechanical Characterization of Tissues

(Thesis Research)

Role: Principal Investigator

Accomplishments:

This engineering project component resulted in the successful development of custom atomic force microscopy

systems capable of elastic and viscoelastic biomechanical measurement at different length scales for both biological

and non-biological applications. Through scientific literature review and experimental validation, contact

mechanical models (elastic, viscoelastic, and poroelastic) were identified as applicable in describing corneal

mechanical responses. The use of the developed technology has been utilized in various clinical applications,

resulting in 5 published journal manuscripts (3 first-authored, 2 co-authored), 3 awarded doctoral fellowships, and 9

oral and poster presentations at international and national scientific conferences.

Duties:

• Designed and developed custom Atomic Force Microscopy systems to enable elastic and viscoelastic tissue

biomechanical measurement through software, electrical, and mechanical design

• Achieved successful development of tissue preparation techniques and experimental protocol execution

through the design of novel devices that enable biomechanical measurement in near-physiological

experimental setting (analytical, creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skillset)

• Troubleshoot and resolved technical, electrical, and software complications of complex analysis machinery

(analytical, creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skillset)

• Performed scientific literature review and determined feasible contact mechanical models that allow the

mechanical property output from the biomechanical measurements obtained from the custom atomic force

microscopy system

• Created calibration techniques to ensure accurate and reliable tissue biomechanical measurements of the

custom system

Quantification of Corneal Biomechanics and Treatment Efficacy of Corneal Crosslinking for Keratoconus using

Custom Atomic Force Microscopy Techniques (Thesis Research)

Role Principal Investigator

Accomplishments:

The completion of these studies have expanded knowledge base and comprehension of corneal biomechanics within

the field of ophthalmology, which will contribute to the development and improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic

methods for corneal-related diseases. The results of the characterization studies revealed that the cornea stroma (the

cornea’s prominent layer) has a varied mechanical property profile due to the differing anatomical collagen network

organization within the stromal layer: the anterior stroma is stiffer than the posterior stromal region. With regards to

corneal crosslinking as a treatment method of keratoconus (the underlying cause of astigmatism), characterization

studies demonstrated that the effects of corneal crosslinking treatments on human and porcine corneas were depth-

dependent, with the majority of mechanical effects taking place in the superficial anterior stromal region. In

addition, the corneal crosslinking treatment efficacy studies revealed age-dependency, being more effective to

improve the corneal mechanics of younger patient populations than older patient populations. Results of all studies

have yielded 3 published first-author journal publications.

J. Watson-Dias 3

Duties:

• Using the developed custom atomic force microscopy systems, studies were designed and conducted to

improve understanding of the relationship between corneal structure and function through biomechanical

implications

• Tailored designed experimental sample preparation and biomechanical protocols to characterize the

collagenous layers of the cornea at different corneal depths

• Identified elastic, viscoelastic, and poroelastic contact mechanical models that effectively described the

experimental corneal biomechanical measurements obtained from the custom characterization system

• Developed custom MATLAB analytical models derived from the identified from contact mechanical

models and implemented models to experimental data to derive mechanical properties of the corneal tissue

• Designed and performed experimental studies determining the treatment efficacy of corneal crosslinking on

cadaver human and porcine corneas quantitatively

• Designed experimental studies to determine age implications of corneal crosslinking efficacy in human

corneas

• Developed experimental standards to ensure accurate reflection of corneal biomechanical responses in situ,

by investigating the effect corneal hydration on corneal thickness and elasticity measurements ex vivo

The Effect of Nicotine on the Biomechanics of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Role: Co-Investigator

Accomplishments:

The results of this project demonstrated that nicotine affects the biomechanical properties of human mesenchymal

stem cells in a concentration-dependent manner: the higher the nicotine concentration exposure, the less the cells are

responsive to mechanoinduction and other physical stimuli. Both the nucleus and cytoplasm of nicotine-treated cells

were significantly stiffer than their control counterparts. Results of this study were accepted as a manuscript in a

peer-reviewed journal.

Duties:

• Trained undergraduate investigator on the operation of custom atomic force microscopy systems and

procedure of data analysis to derive resultant elastic property values from the raw data obtained from

custom atomic force microscopy system

• Collaborated with fellow investigators to design effective experimental conditions to ensure proper cell

biomechanical measurements such as determining optimal cell density in each petri dish

• Recommended solutions for research experimental protocol discrepancies to the partnering scientists in

collaborative studies so that successful mechanical testing can be performed

Quantification of Efficacy of Novel Glaucoma Treatments on the Trabecular Meshwork using Atomic Force

Microscopy

Role: Co-Investigator

Duties:

• Conducted preliminary atomic force microscopy characterization measurements to determine the effect of

novel treatments on trabecular meshwork biomechanics in efforts to contribute to the submission of a NIH

research grant

• Developed sample preparation techniques and experimental protocol to ensure proper anchoring and

hydration of trabecular meshwork during elastic characterization measurements

• Trained collaborators on the basic principle and operation of the developed atomic force microscopy

system

Assessment of Femtosecond Laser Corneal Lamellar Cuts using Atomic Force Microscopy

Role: Co-Investigator

Accomplishments:

The completion of this project contributed to the advancement of improving the surgical techniques of laser in situ

keratomileusis (LASIK), anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK), and Descemet-stripping automated endothelial

keratoplasty (DSAEK) using femtosecond laser technology. The results of the project demonstrated that the most

effect femtosecond laser energy of 180nJ produced the smoothest corneal lamellar dissection cuts at the stromal

depth of 300µm, using atomic force microscopy. Atomic force microscopy provided quantitative information on the

quality of lamellar dissections made using a femtosecond laser, which is useful in optimizing patient outcomes in

J. Watson-Dias 4

refractive and lamellar keratoplasty surgeries. This project was successfully disseminated to the scientific

community as a published manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.

Duties:

• Performed sample preparation of human cadaver corneas for experiments

• Aided in the atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy imaging of the corneal lamellar

cuts

• Collaborated with ophthalmologists and Carl Zeiss representatives in the operation of the clinical Visumax

femtosecond laser system

Quantification of the Mechanical Effect of Progerin Expression on Marrow-Isolated Adult Multilineage

Inducible Stem Cells using Atomic Force Microscopy

Role: Co-Investigator

Accomplishments:

A mechanical characterization of the adult stem cellular nucleus and cytoplasm was conducted using the developed

atomic force microscopy system to evaluate Progerin effects on stem cell functions critical to vascular repair. The

characterization study demonstrated that Progerin expression, a gene associated with onset of a premature aging

disorder known as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, increased cellular stiffness of the nucleus and cytoplasm

regions of the adult stem cells. Such increased stiffness was linked to compromising the stem cell migration to

damaged vascular site for repair. Successful reporting of the study resulted in a published journal manuscript.

Duties:

• Developed effective experimental conditions to ensure proper cell biomechanical measurements such as

determining optimal cell density in each petri dish

• Recommended solutions for research experimental protocol discrepancies to the partnering scientists in

collaborative studies so that successful mechanical testing can be performed

• Conducted mechanical characterization experiments using developed atomic force microscopy system

• Trained graduate student investigator on the operation of custom atomic force microscopy systems and

procedure of data analysis to derive resultant elastic property values from the raw data obtained from

custom atomic force microscopy system

Laboratory Manager

Accomplishments:

• Reduced financial burden of biomedical engineering department and faculty advisor by applying for and

acquiring two highly competitive and selective fellowship awards through producing award-winning

research grant proposals (over $250,000 including stipend, tuition fees, and travel grants)

Selected as a recipient of the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards

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(NRSA) for Individual Predoctoral Fellowships to Promote Diversity in Health-Related

Research (F31)

Selected one of twelve recipients within the United States to obtain the UNCF/MERCK

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Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowship

Duties:

• Adept in independently composing and editing various literary formats including reports, PowerPoint

presentations, journal manuscripts, and research grant proposals

• Promoted awareness of laboratory research efforts through giving lab tours and demonstrations to visiting

students, faculty, and potential collaborators of the department

• Analyzed scientific data of other researchers to provide feedback regarding the accuracy and sufficiency of

their investigation methods and findings as a selected peer journal manuscript reviewer

• Managed, motivated, and supervised the assignment and progress of undergraduate student projects in the

lab

• Trained and mentored undergraduate students in the operation of machinery in laboratory to enable project

development and execution

• Worked closely and harmoniously with fellow lab associates in accomplishing research laboratory

directives

• Supervised the procurement and availability of laboratory resources and supplies

J. Watson-Dias 5

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute – Miami, FL

Supervisor: Jean-Marie Parel, Ph.D.

August 2009 - October 2007

The Design and Implementation of Collagen Minicapsulorhexis Valve for Phaco-Ersatz Procedure

Accomplishments:

This project encompassed improving the surgical technique of Phaco-Ersatz, which is a lens-refilling procedure that

removes the natural ocular lens content and replaces it with a polymerized gel of similar optical and mechanical

properties as that of the natural ocular lens. Focus of this senior design project was placed on the modification of the

composition of the minicapsulorhexis value, which functions as the bandage of polymerized gel injection site into

the lens capsule, from a hydrophobic to hydrophilic biomaterial to minimize the occurrence of gel leakages.

Duties:

• Conducted laboratory work related to the optical-mechanical properties of the eye

• Performed image and data analysis obtained from ex-vivo lens accommodation experiments

• Conducted research on the scientific review of biomaterials in literature to develop an artificial lens

capsule tissue construct

• Developed and conducted experimental protocols to develop methacrylate-modified polyvinyl alcohol

hydrogels as the artificial lens capsule tissue construct

Summer Intern

Momentive Performance Materials USA Inc. – Tarrytown, NY

August 2007- May 2007

Duties:

• Performed experimental research in the personal care industry related to shampoo and conditioner

formulations

• Investigated the effect of silicone chemistry on damaged hair

• Presented findings of scientific study to executives of the company

Academic Tutor

Department of Athletics, University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL

August 2006 – November 2006

Duties:

• Tutored student-athletes in math-related courses resulting in the improvement of mathematical

comprehension and application

• Simplified complex mathematical concepts for easier comprehension

• Supervised students on the completion of their assignments

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

American Society for Cell Biology

Society of Women Engineers

Alpha Eta Mu Beta

Biomedical Engineering Society

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society

National Society of Black Engineers

REFERENCES

Noel Ziebarth, PhD

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering

University of Miami

J. Watson-Dias 6

acp9e2@r.postjobfree.com; 305-***-****

Fabrice Manns, PhD

Professor, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering

University of Miami

acp9e2@r.postjobfree.com

Sonia Yoo, MD

Professor of Ophthalmology

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

acp9e2@r.postjobfree.com

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Peer-reviewed journal articles:

J. Dias, V. F. Diakonis, M. Lorenzo, F. Gonzalez, K. Porras, S. Douglas, M. Avila, S.H. Yoo, N.M. Ziebarth. 2015.

Corneal Stromal Elasticity and Viscoelasticity Assessed by Atomic Force Microscopy after Different Cross Linking

Protocols. Experimental Eye Research. Submitted.

C. Labate, M. Lombardo, M. De Santo, J. Dias, N. Ziebarth, and G. Lombardo. 2015. Multiscale investigation of the

depth-dependent mechanical anisotropy of the human corneal stroma. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual

Science. Accepted.

J. Dias and N.M. Ziebarth. 2015. Impact of Hydration Media on Ex Vivo Corneal Elasticity Measurements. Eye and

Contact Lens. In press.

L.M. Pacheco, L.A. Gomez, J. Dias, N.M. Ziebarth, G. Howard, P.C. Schiller. 2014. Progerin Expression

Significantly Disrupts Critical Adult Stem Cell Functions Required for Tissue Repair. Aging. In press.

J. Dias, V.F. Diakonis, V.P. Kankariya, S.H. Yoo, and N.M. Ziebarth. 2013. Anterior and posterior corneal stroma

elasticity after corneal collagen cross linking treatment. Experimental Eye Research. 116: 58-62.

J. Dias and N.M. Ziebarth. 2013. Anterior and posterior corneal stroma elasticity assessed using nanoindentation.

Experimental Eye Research. 115:41-46.

N.M. Ziebarth, J. Dias, V. Hürmeriç, M.A. Shousha, C.B. Yau, V.T. Moy, W.W. Culbertson, S.H. Yoo. 2013.

Quality of Corneal Lamellar Cuts Quantified using Atomic Force Microscopy. Journal of Cataract & Refractive

Surgery. 39:110-117.

J. Ruiz, D. Pelaez, J. Dias, N.M. Ziebarth, H.S. Cheung. 2011. The Effect of Nicotine on the Physical Properties of

Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cell Health and Cytoskeleton.4:29–35.

Poster Presentations:

J. Dias and N.M. Ziebarth. 2014. Viscoelastic Characterization of the Corneal Stroma assessed Ex Vivo using

Atomic Force Microscopy. Abstract for Poster Presentation. The Association for Research in Vision and

Ophthalmology Conference, Orlando, FL.

C. Labate, J. Dias, V. Sueiras, M. De Santo, G. Lombardo, M. Lombardo and N.M. Ziebarth. 2014. Depth-

dependent mechanical anisotropy of the cornea assessed by atomic force microscopy. Abstract for Poster

Presentation. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Conference, Orlando, FL.

F. R. Gonzalez, M. Lorenzo, J. Dias, and N. Ziebarth. 2013. Corneal mechanical properties after crosslinking

treatments for keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia. Abstract for poster presentation. Biomedical Engineering

Society Conference, Seattle, WA.

J. Watson-Dias 7

M. Lorenzo, F. R. Gonzalez, J. Dias, N. Ziebarth. 2013. Investigation of the efficacy of genipin solution as a

possible treatment for keratoconus. Abstract for poster presentation. Biomedical Engineering Society Conference,

Seattle, WA.

J. Dias and N. Ziebarth. 2013. Effect of Different Hydration Media on Ex Vivo Corneal Elasticity Measurements.

Abstract for poster presentation. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Conference, Seattle,

WA.

J. Dias and N. Ziebarth. 2012. Effect of Corneal Crosslinking on Anterior and Posterior Stromal Elasticity Assessed

Ex Vivo by Atomic Force Microscopy. Abstract for poster presentation. The Association for Research in Vision and

Ophthalmology Conference, Miami, FL.

J. Dias, C. Yau, V. Moy, J.-M.A. Parel, N.M. Ziebarth. 2011. Feasibility of Bulk Corneal Elasticity Measurement

with Atomic Force Microscopy: A Pilot Study. Abstract for poster presentation. The Association for Research in

Vision and Ophthalmology Conference, Miami, FL.

N.M. Ziebarth, I. Persaud, E. Arrieta, J. Dias, E. Lee, C. Rowaan, I. Nose, S. Yoo, J.-M.A. Parel. 2011. Efficiency

of Coulomb Controlled Iontophoresis for Transcorneal Delivery of Riboflavin: A Pilot Study. Abstract for poster

presentation. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Conference, Miami, FL.

V. Sueiras, J. Dias, C. Yau, E. Arrieta, V.T. Moy, N.M. Ziebarth. 2011. Human and Non-Human Primate Lens

Capsule Structure Assessed by Atomic Force Microscopy. Abstract for poster presentation. The Association for

Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Conference, Miami, FL.

J. Dias, N.M. Ziebarth, M. Prabakar, L. Lau, C. Rowaan, V.T. Moy, S.H. Yoo, J.-M.A. Parel. 2010. Elasticity of

Corneas Treated With UVA and Riboflavin Assessed by Atomic Force Microscopy. Abstract for poster

presentation. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Conference, Miami, FL.

N.M. Ziebarth, J. Dias, M. Prabakar, L. Lau, C. Rowaan, S. Uhlhorn, F. Manns, S. Yoo, J.-M.A. Parel. 2010.

Corneal Curvature and Thickness After Treatment With UVA and Riboflavin Assessed by Optical Coherence

Tomography. Abstract for poster presentation. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Conference, Miami, FL.

M. Prabakar, N. Ziebarth, J. Dias, L. Lau, C. Rowaan, S. Ulhorn, F. Manns, S. Yoo, J.-M. Parel. 2010. Swelling of

Corneas Treated With UVA and Riboflavin Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography. Abstract for poster

presentation. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Conference, Miami, FL.

D. Nankivil, B. Maceo, J. Dias, D. Borja, E. Arrieta-Quintero, F. Manns and J.-M. Parel. 2009. Estimation of

Zonular Tension in Cynomolgus Monkeys during Lens Stretching by Transecting Anterior or Posterior Zonules: A

Pilot Study. Abstract for poster presentation. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 50: E-Abstract 2798, 2009.

J Dias, et al. 2009. The Design and Implementation of a Collagen Minicapsulorhexis Valve for Phaco-Ersatz

Procedure. Conference Proceedings, Abstract for poster presentation, Florida Georgia Alliance for Minority

Participation (FGAMP) Exposition.

Oral Presentations:

J. Dias and N.M. Ziebarth. 2014. The Effect of Different Corneal Crosslinking Treatment Methods on Corneal

Biomechanics. Abstract for Oral Presentation. Aegean Cornea XII Meeting, Santorini, Greece.

J. Dias, D. Gonzalez, N. Ziebarth. 2011. Mechanical Characterization of Multi-Layered Biological Samples using

Atomic Force Microscopy. Abstract for oral presentation. Biomedical Engineering Society Conference, Hartford,

CT.

Journal Manuscripts in Preparation:

V.F. Diakonis, J. Dias, S.H. Yoo, and N.M. Ziebarth. 2015. The Elastic and Viscoelastic Mechanical Effects of the

Crosslinking Treatment Methods on Human Corneal Stroma along with Age Implications.

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