Research Engineer or Scientist

SAI Y. VERUVA

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

Piscataway, NJ 08854

Cell: 732-***-****

*******@*****.***

EDUCATION

Drexel University, School of Biomed. Engr., Sci. & Health Systems, Philadelphia PA Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering, June 2016 Cumulative GPA 3.9/4.0

Rutgers University, School of Engineering, New Brunswick, NJ Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering, Minor in Economics, May 2011 Graduated with High Honors (Magna Cum Laude)

Cumulative GPA 3.40; BME Major GPA 3.77

EXPERIENCE

Implant Research Center, Drexel U., Sch. of Biomed. Engr., Sci. & Health Sys. 11/2012-06/2016 PhD Research Fellow (Co-PI’s: Dr. Steven M. Kurtz and Dr. Marla J Steinbeck)

Investigated periprosthetic inflammation and biological responses in tissues around revised total disc replacements, and performed implant retrieval analysis of the explanted spinal devices

Identified key mechanisms contributing to wear-debris-induced neuropathies in spine after implantation of artificial discs

Compared implant damage, tissue wear particle concentration and characteristics (size & shape) based on design and biomaterials to determine influence on clinical outcome for advancing implant technology Drexel University College of Medicine, Dept. of Neurobiology & Anatomy 09/2011-10/2012 Graduate Research Assistant (PI: Dr. Ramesh Raghupathi)

Conducted collaborative research project investigating in-vitro mechanical stretch-induced neuronal damage, and cellular and molecular responses

Tested biaxial and uniaxial stretch models to evaluate damage specific to axonal compartments Rutgers Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ 01/2009-09/2011 Undergraduate Research Assistant (PI: Dr. Martin L. Yarmush)

Assisted with neural differentiation research projects to accelerate oligodendrocyte differentiation of embryonic stem cells

Created multivariate, logistic regression model to optimize neuroregeneration in 3-D brain slices

Worked extensively on perfecting Organotypic Hippocampal Culture models for study of traumatic brain injuries; in addition, mitigatory effects of alginate-encapsulated mesenchymal stromal cells

(MSCs) were investigated

Highly trained in cell/tissue culture techniques, immunofluorescent staining, ELISA and other standard cell/tissue analysis protocols

Celgene Cellular Therapeutics, Warren NJ 05/2010-08/2010 Research Assistant (advisor: Dr. Greg Russotti)

• Applied and integrated concepts of buffers, stem cells & fluid mechanics for independent project

• Generated new approaches/protocols to improve efficiency of the culturing process for Placental Derived Stem Cells by eliminating need for carbon dioxide in controlled environment

• Played active role in CPD Team and assisted with multiple projects focused on producing numerous dose lots for experimentation and clinical production/trials

• Obtained insightful knowledge regarding patents, tech-transfer and commercialization process

• Worked 40-80hrs/wk for the department of Cell Process Development (CPD) SAI Y. VERUVA

SKILLS

Laboratory

Immunohistochemistry

& histology staining

techniques

Tissue processing

Tissue sectioning

Tissue & implant

retrieval and wear

particle analysis

Laboratory Cont’d.

Immunocytochemistry

Tissue/cell culture

Organotypic culture

Western Blots

ELISA

FACS

PCR/RT-PCR

Electroporation

Imaging

SEM/E-SEM

EDAX

TEM/EDS

Polarized Microscopy

Confocal Microscopy

Fluorescent Microscopy

FTIR/ATR

AFM

Software

CAD software

MATLAB/Simulink

SPSS & JMP

Slidebook PRO

Image-pro Plus

ImageJ & Photoshop

Olympus MicroSuite

MS Office

ACTIVITIES & VOLUNTEER SERVICE

• Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES, Professional) Fall 2013-Current Vice President of Drexel Chapter; International Society Member

• Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity (PDT) Fall 2008-Current Re-Founding Father; Scholarship Committee Chair; Active Alumnus

• Science Education Academy Philadelphia (SEA Philadelphia) Fall 2014-Current Bi-weekly Volunteer

• Habitat for Humanity New Jersey (HFH New Jersey) Fall 2010- Fall 2013 Build and Fair Trade Volunteer

• Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES, Club) Fall 2009-Spring 2011 President of Undergraduate Club, 2011 Class Representative, EGC Representative

• Engineering Governing Council (EGC) Fall 2009-Spring 2010 BMES Representative; Internal Review Committee Member RECENT PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS, REVIEWS & CHAPTERS

• Veruva SY, Lanman TH, Isaza JE, Freeman TA, Kurtz SM, Steinbeck MJ. Periprosthetic UHMWPE Wear Debris Induces Inflammation, Vascularization & Innervation after Total Disc Replacement in the Lumbar Spine. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016 Aug (Epub ahead of print).

• Veruva SY, Lanman TH, Hanzlik JA, Kurtz SM, Steinbeck MJ. Rare Complications of Osteolysis and Periprosthetic Tissue Reactions After Hybrid and Non-hybrid Total Disc Replacement. Eur Spine J. 2015 May;24 Suppl 4:494-501.

• Neukamp M, Roeder C, Veruva SY, MacDonald DW, Kurtz SM, Steinbeck MJ. In Vivo Compatibility of Dynesys Spinal Implants: A Case Series of Five Retrieved Periprosthetic Tissue Samples and Corresponding Implants. Eur Spine J. 2015 May;24(5):1074-84.

• Veruva SY, Lanman TH, Isaza JE, MacDonald DW, Kurtz SM, Steinbeck MJ. UHMWPE Wear Debris and Tissue Reactions Are Reduced for Contemporary Designs of Lumbar Total Disc Replacements. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015 March;473:987-998.

• Veruva SY, Steinbeck MJ, Toth J, Alexander DD, Kurtz SM. Which Design and Biomaterial Factors Affect Clinical Wear Performance of Total Disc Replacements? A Systematic Review. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2014 Dec; 472:3759-3769.

• Steinbeck MJ and Veruva SY. Pathophysiologic Reactions to UHMWPE Wear Particles. In: SM Kurtz

(Ed.), The UHMWPE Biomaterials Handbook (3rd Ed.). William Andrew; 2015 Sept. CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS & INVITED TALKS

Veruva, SY. (2015, October). UHMWPE Wear Debris Induced Vascularization, Inflammation & Innervation in the Spine. Podium talk presented at 7th International UHMWPE Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.

Veruva, SY. (2015, September). Biomaterials, Implants and Wear Debris. Guest lecture for Intro to Biomedical Engineering course at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

Veruva, SY. (2013, October). Biological Responses to UHMWPE Wear Debris in the Spine. Podium talk presented at 6th International UHMWPE Meeting, Turin, Italy.

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