Anjelica Kucinic, PhD

• Led and established a patented protocol to design and assemble spherical DNA nanoparticles using nucleic acid nanotechnology, cryo-EM, and novel automated design tools.
• Coordinated cross-functional collaborations with biochemists, microscopists, and computational scientists to assemble DNA nanoparticles with de novo peptides, resulting in enhanced research outcomes.
• Supervised junior researchers and trainees in laboratory methods, electron microscopy, and data analysis, fostering skill development and research competency.
• Received the “Excellent Postdoctoral Poster” award at an international Foundations of Nanoscience Conference.

• Instructed recitation and computer lab sections, reinforcing chemical engineering concepts and problem-solving methods for mass and energy balances, heat and mass transfer, and design of chemical processes.
• Advised students on simulation-based homework and course materials using MATLAB, Aspen Plus, and SuperPro simulation tools.
• Evaluated homework, quizzes, and lab reports using department rubrics and consistent grading standards.
• Advised students during office hours, clarifying course material and supporting academic progress.

• Led the design and characterization of DNA nanostructures for mechanical readouts using optical (dual trapping) and fluorescence microscopy.
• Designed novel DNA nanostructures using MATLAB coded software, self-assembled with nucleic acid nanotechnology, and tested using transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent readouts.
• Supervised 11 graduate and undergraduate researchers for their thesis or dissertation projects, providing guidance on research methods, experimental design, and report writing. 8 of the 11 students competed and won a prestigious molecular robots award in an international biomolecular design competition.

• Design and assembled DNA nanostructures capable of reconfiguring into higher order materials for diagnostic tools.
• Completed experiments and wrote an undergraduate thesis project to graduate with research distinction.
• Presented research findings at an international biomolecular design competition (2 years) and presented thesis research at University undergraduate research forum (2 years).

Dissertation: Manipulation, Reconfiguration, and Control of Dynamic DNA origami assemblies