Microfluidics, Bioanalytical/Life Science Instrumentation
Resume:
Pearlson Prashanth Austin Suthanthiraraj, Ph.D.
Research Triangle MRSEC 2905-N Bainbridge Drive
*** ******* ***** ******, ** 27713
**** *********** ****** 505-***-**** (Mobile)
Duke University 919-***-**** (Home)
Durham, NC 27708 *****************@*****.***
Objective
Researcher with 5+ years of experience in the design and development of microfluidic devices and custom bioanalytical instrumentation systems seeking challenging full time position in Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices and Diagnostics industry to develop innovative, cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools and solutions and address challenges in global healthcare
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with 5+ years of research experience in micro-, nanoparticle and cell manipulation and analysis using microfluidic devices integrated with high-tech microscopy
5+ years in fabrication of microfluidic devices
o 4 years in semiconductor fabrication techniques such as photolithography, deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and anodic bonding in Cleanroom o 1 year in soft lithography
5+ years in microscopy imaging and data analysis o 5 years in fluorescence microscopy
o 1 year in hyperspectral imaging, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sputter coating
Developed microfluidic devices that improved sample volumetric throughput for flow cytometry analysis by 10-25x
Experienced in developing prototype bioanalytical instrumentation
1+ years in flow cytometry instrumentation assembly and proof-of-principle testing prior to licensing for commercialization
Actively involved in design, integration and testing of components of an automated cell sorting instrumentation system
Experienced in AutoCAD, Office Suite, ImageJ and LabVIEW
Demonstrated excellence in independent research
Authored/co-authored 3 publications in peer-reviewed journals
Co-inventor on the recently approved patent for high throughput flow cytometer
Recognized for outstanding research at an international conference abroad
Presented research on invitation at a Flow Cytometry Research Course
Partnered in interdepartmental, cross-functional collaborative projects
Basic understanding of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing and Statistical Process Control 2
Education
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 2009-2013
Advisor: Dr. Steven Graves
Dissertation: Multinode Acoustic Systems for High Throughput Cellular Analysis
Graduated with Distinction
B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering (Affiliated to Anna University), Chennai, India 2005-2009
Project: Process Optimization for Production of Antimicrobial Compound by Bacillus species and Scale-up studies by Designing a Laboratory Fermentor
Received Merit Scholarships and graduated with Distinction Experience
Postdoctoral Associate, Triangle Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Duke University, Durham, NC January 2015-Present
Demonstrated (a) on-chip trapping and staining of synthetic, acoustically-responsive microparticles, (b) rapid assembly (within 10’s of seconds) of 100’s to 10’s of nm gold particles for diagnostics and biosensing, and (c) separation of nanowires from impurities for electronics manufacturing, using acoustic microfluidic devices
Designed and developed a handheld acoustofluidic device for diagnostics in resource- poor settings by integrating off-the-shelf fluid handling components
Actively developing a LabVIEW-based automated cell sorter that integrates acoustic, flow and thermal monitoring-cum-control components in collaboration with a technical expert
Post Doctoral Researcher, Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM January-December 2014
Assembled custom flow cytometry instrumentation and optimized its laser beam to enhance detection sensitivity for protease assays
Trained and provided technical support to fellow researchers and mentored a high school junior in summer
3
Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 2009-2013
Designed, fabricated and optimized high volume acoustic microfluidics devices that improved sample throughput for flow cytometry analysis of rare events by 10-25x
Developed custom imaging flow cytometry instrumentation for high throughput applications through collaboration with senior scientists
Mentored and trained a high school sophomore in cell staining and microscopy Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM January-May 2013
Maintained 100% results in the Undergraduate Thermodynamics course through dedicated guidance to students
Publications
Austin Suthanthiraraj PP and Graves SW. Fluidics. Current Protocols in Cytometry 2013. 1.2.1- 1.2.14.
Austin Suthanthiraraj PP, Piyasena ME, Woods TA, Naivar MA, Lopez GP and Graves SW. One-dimensional acoustic standing waves in rectangular channels for flow cytometry. Methods 2012; 57(3): 259-71.
Piyasena ME, Austin Suthanthiraraj PP, Applegate RW Jr, Goumas AM, Woods TA, Lopez GP and Graves SW. Multinode acoustic focusing for parallel flow cytometry. Anal Chem 2012; 84(4): 1831-39.
Patents
Graves SW, Austin Suthanthiraraj PP, Shreve AP and Lopez GP. Spatially Correlated Light Collection from Multiple Sample Streams Excited with a Line Focused Light Source. Application Number: US 13/835,108, International Application Number: PCT/US2013/32025
(Approved: October 8, 2015).
Honors
Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 2013
Best Outgoing Student Award (Men), Department of Chemical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai, India 2009 4
Notable Achievements
Finalist, Exceptional Student Award, CYTO 2012, Leipzig, Germany 2012 Affiliations
Student Member, International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) 2010-2013
Executive Member, Students’ Chapter, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) 2007-2008
Contact this candidate